Boiler explosion in the 7100 block of Hooker Street

-Originally listed on: http://www.ci.westminster.co.us/news/articles/7278.htm

Westminster firefighters responded to an explosion which occurred as a result of natural gas build-up in the boiler during repair operations at the Terrace Garden Apartments located in the 7100 block of Hooker Street at 8 p.m. on December 13.

Firefighters arrived on scene within three minutes and saw broken glass outside of the building. They shut off the gas to the building and immediately began evacuating approximately 100 residents.

The damage from the explosion was primarily contained to the boiler room and there were several broken windows. There was no smoke or fire damage to the building.

At the time of the explosion, there were two maintenance workers attempting to repair the boiler. These workers suffered injuries and one of the workers was transported to a local area hospital.

The Westminster Fire Department with the assistance of the Red Cross, and COCAT, a restoration and construction company, provided approximately seven displaced families temporary shelter first at the Westminster Senior Center then at a local hotel. Many residents were able to find temporary housing with family or friends.

All power has been shut off to the building. After careful inspection by the Westminster Building Division, the building has been posted “Limited Entry.” This means that residents may return to gather their belongings, but may not stay in their apartment.
There are three apartment units that are deemed uninhabitable. The majority of residents should be able to return to their apartments within 3-7 days if all of the necessary repairs have been made by the property owner.

Residents have been provided temporary housing in other vacant units in the Terrace Garden Apartment complex and other nearby apartment buildings.

The State Boiler Inspection Division has been requested by the City Building Division to inspect all boilers within the apartment complex.

This apartment complex was scheduled to be inspected by the City of Westminster Building Division in January 2006; however City inspectors are initiating a comprehensive inspection immediately. The City did not receive any complaints regarding the boiler systems prior to this incident.