1 facing charges after small gas fire forces evacuations at Springs apartment complex

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - An apartment complex was evacuated Wednesday after residents smelled a strong odor of gasoline.

Police now say the odor originated from a small gas fire that was started in the building.

The incident was reported at the Woodbine Apartments near Bijou and Swope just after 1 p.m.

#ColoradoSpringsFire E23 along with HazMat 14 and other CSFD units on scene of a strong odor of gasoline on the 3rd floor of the Woodbine Apts. 2020 E. Bijou. Evacuation is in process as a precautionary measure until the source can be located. No fire present
— CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) January 25, 2023

Police were told a man was seen at the complex hauling a gas can. He was located by officers at the complex.

“Further investigation revealed the male fell with the gas can ... causing a small fire which was immediately extinguished,” police said.

The man was ticketed for reckless endangerment. Police tell 11 News the charges are because he was in his apartment building carrying a lighter with the gas can.

Residents were allowed back in their homes within about an hour.

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