Multiple agencies responded to a major structure fire early Saturday morning at the Remington Village Apartments in Craig, where residents of building four were quickly evacuated and the building sustained extensive damage.

Sgt. Nicholas Cordova of the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office said the initial call came in at approximately 5:45 a.m. from the apartment complex at 1125 W. Sixth St.

Officers from the Craig Police Department were the first to arrive and immediately began evacuating residents from building four. The Craig Fire Department arrived shortly after and began their attack on the fire.

“Craig Fire and Rescue responded and began their attack on the fire and they requested assistance from West Routt Fire District as well,” Cordova said.

Some residents stood shoeless and wrapped in blankets as they watched emergency personnel battle the blaze. They had to leave so quickly they had no time to grab belongings. Police also evacuated additional buildings within the complex to ensure the safety of surrounding residents.

According to the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation is ongoing and personnel remain on scene. The public is urged to avoid building four until it is deemed safe.

At least one individual was evaluated for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported.

The fire was contained to building four and brought under control by approximately 8:15 a.m., with full extinguishment confirmed at 11:38 a.m., according to a release from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office and the Craig Police Department. 

“Preliminary investigation shows that it’s been limited to building four,” Cordova said. “As far as smoke damage, I don’t know if that had any effect on any of the other buildings.”

The Red Cross and Open Heart Advocates coordinated assistance for displaced residents. Additional community support has come from the Craig Budget Center, Love Inc., Craig Walmart and local volunteers.

A temporary shelter was established at the Boys & Girls Club of Craig. City officials and volunteers helped coordinate food, supplies and support services for those impacted by the fire.

While the number of residents affected has not been confirmed, donations quickly overwhelmed local receiving locations. As of Saturday afternoon, Mayor Chris Nichols encouraged community members to consider sponsoring hotel rooms for displaced families instead of dropping off additional supplies.

The city of Craig is covering the expenses of a two-night stay for residents of building four at the Quality Inn & Suites in Craig. Those interested in sponsoring additional nights for the victims can contact the hotel directly at 970-824-4000.

“It was really a multifaceted group effort on everyone’s part. Craig Fire did their best as a volunteer fire department, got here very quickly and began attacking the fire,” Cordova said. “It was just a total group effort from both the citizens on scene, as well as law enforcement and fire personnel, to clear the area and give the firefighters the resources and space they needed to work the fire.”

After the fire was extinguished, emergency personnel remained on site to monitor for hot spots and assist residents and investigators.

“From both the Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department, we want to express our deepest condolences to the families that have been affected and all of our neighbors in the community,” Cordova said. “Any support we can give to anybody that was affected, they can feel free to reach out.”

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.