Arson may be what caused a fire that tore through a Lakewood duplex.
Fourteen people were home when the fire started around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Firefighters arrived at West 5th Avenue and Eaton Place to find heavy fire.
Flames were crawling across the roof, the garage and even the hood of a car when Denver7 pulled up to the scene. Denver7 photographer Daryl Orr saw people screaming and running from the duplex.
Investigators determined the fire initially started with the car in the driveway. Neighbors heard explosions but the fire department believes this was the sound of tires popping in the heat.
Steve Davis with Lakewood Police says this is a case of suspected arson. They tracked down a man in Aurora who will be questioned but police wouldn't call him a suspect.
Crews used arson dogs to assist investigators in the late morning.
Riley the @CBI_Colorado arson dog, eager to get to work on #fire on West 5th Ave with Agent Jerry Means. pic.twitter.com/6TJDP8WRmL
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) April 12, 2016
The fire department says the nine adults and four children inside of both units made it out safely. No one was seriously hurt. The Red Cross provided blankets, breakfast and temporary housing.
#Fire in 5600 block of west 5th Ave started in car in driveway then spread to duplex. pic.twitter.com/hprU3dRHbr
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) April 12, 2016
A fundraiser to help the victims will be held April 17 at Huron Street & W 84th Avenue, near the Auto Zone.
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