AURORA | One person was critically injured and seven residents were displaced in two separate residential fires Wednesday in north Aurora, according to fire officials.
The first fire was reported just after 2 p.m. near East 21st Avenue and Altura Street. Multiple 911 callers reported a fire in an accessory dwelling unit behind a house, and a plume of black smoke was visible as crews responded.
When firefighters arrived, flames and smoke were coming from the single-story building, officials said.
Firefighters began attacking the blaze and searching the interior, where they located and rescued an adult victim. That person was taken to a hospital and was considered in critical condition.
The nature of the person’s injuries was not disclosed.
The fire was brought under control at 2:19 p.m., about 15 minutes after the initial dispatch, according to a statement by Aurora Fire Rescue spokeperson Eric Hurst. No other injuries were reported.
Five residents were displaced from the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Later Wednesday, just before 7 p.m., crews responded to a second residential fire near Fairplay Street and East Montview Boulevard.
A 911 caller reported flames visible from the second floor of a three-unit apartment building. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, Hurst said. Rescuers searched the apartment and found no one inside.
That fire was declared under control at 7:15 p.m. Firefighters said they prevented the blaze from spreading to adjacent apartments, and no injuries were reported.
Investigators determined the second fire was caused by an accidental appliance malfunction. Two adults were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.