DENVER - A specialized fire investigation team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) arrived in Westminster, Colorado, today, to assist with the investigation into the Westbury Apartment Complex fire that occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
About 20 members of the National Response Team (NRT) were activated at the request of Westminster Police and Fire Departments to help determine the cause of the fire at 1585 West 115 Avenue in Westminster. The team will begin on-site work today.
Over the next several days, certified fire investigators and other experts will work alongside local investigators to sift through debris, reconstruct the scene, collect evidence, conduct interviews and attempt to identify an origin and cause of the fire.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go to families of those who died in this fire. Our goal is to find answers for them and the city of Westminster," said Debbie Livingston, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “ATF’s highly experienced investigators conduct thorough and methodical investigations based on the scientific method, approaching all scenes with an open mind and no preconceptions."
The Westminster Police and Fire departments also extend their sympathies to all of the victims of this fire. They are committed to working alongside ATF to find answers for the community.
ATF is the sole federal agency with experience and resources to investigate fires and crimes of arson in the United States and its territories. The primary mission of the NRT is to concentrate ATF explosives and fire investigative resources and expertise on large-scale and complex incidents due to the size, scope or number of victims.
Since its inception in 1978, the NRT has deployed 830 times. This is the 15th activation for Fiscal Year 2019, which began Oct. 1, 2018.
If it is determined the fire is criminal in nature, the Westminster Police department will conduct the criminal investigation and be responsible for the filing of criminal charges. Updates on the investigation will come from Westminster Police and Fire Departments.
For more information on ATF National Response Team, visit www.atf.gov/explosives/national-response-team.
