Walsh fire displaces over 20 residents

At least one treated for smoke exposure

By KEITH R. CERNY

Courier Publisher

ALAMOSA– Just days from facing eviction from the recently condemned Walsh Hotel apartments, some 20-plus residents were displaced by fire late Wednesday night. All residents reportedly escaped, although at least one resident was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, according to Alamosa Fire Chief Don Chapman.

Alamosa firefighters were summoned to the scene just before midnight Wednesday and received mutual aid from the Monte Vista and Mosca-Hooper fire departments. One AFD firefighter suffered a minor shoulder injury, Chapman said.

A smoke-free scene early Thanksgiving morning showed no smoke emitting from the historic two-story structure.

Chief Chapman wouldn’t speculate on the cause of the fire as it is still under investigation but would not rule out arson. He hoped a cause would be known by Friday.

Firefighters were reportedly on scene for about seven hours. Smoke could be seen spewing from several areas of the first and second stories as both AFD and MVFD monitored and poured water on the building from the ground and by aerial rigs.

As the homeless population in Alamosa continues to burgeon, officials at La Puente homeless shelter said 28 residents of the condemned Walsh were to be evicted on Monday, Nov. 30. Reports indicated that some 20 residents evacuated during the fire were being assisted with temporary housing by the American Red Cross.

Facebook live video of the fire can be seen on the Alamosa Valley Courier page or by using this link https://www.facebook.com/AlamosaValleyCourier/videos/3484733788229201

Watch Friday’s Courier for additional information.


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