The Colorado Springs Fire Department has responded to several structure fires over the past few weeks. On Tuesday, the department released the causes of four of those fires as officials wrapped up their investigations.

Fir Tree Apartments

On Aug. 30, just after 6 a.m., the department responded to a structure fire at the Fir Tree Apartments on Radiant Drive. According to the press release, due to the size of the structure and the number of occupants, a second alarm was issued for the fire.

Multiple ladder rescues were responsible for assisting residents exit the structure. One female reportedly jumped from a third-story window to escape the flames. She was then transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, the department said.

Fire investigators responded to the scene and determined the fire started in the kitchen of an apartment and was deemed accidental due to a burner being turned on.

“Kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of fires CSFD responds to,” the release stated. “It is imperative to ensure all combustibles are away from the stove and oven area, that all appliances have been turned off before leaving the home, and that smoke alarms are properly working in the residence.”

4200 block of Forest Hill Road

The same day as the Fir Tree Apartment fire, the department responded to another call at 3:45 p.m. regarding a fire on Forest Hill Road.

According to the release, on-scene firefighters were met with heavy flames and hoarding conditions at the home. Due to the multiple possibilities of origin and cause, investigators deemed the fire cause to be undetermined.

This ruling only happens when there are too many potential causes.

Ray Nixon Power Plant

On Sept. 5, the department responded to a possible explosion due to a vehicle fire near the Ray Nixon Power Plant at the Clear Spring Ranch.

The fire department, Fountain Fire Department, Security and Widefield Fire Department and Colorado Springs Utilities responded to the vehicle on fire and investigators determined the cause was accidental caused by welding equipment.

The welding equipment likely caused a loud explosion-like sound, according to the department.

The incident involved an outside contracted employee of Utilities and they were airlifted to Denver in serious condition. Their status is unknown at this time.

Greenway Flats

On Friday, the department responded to a structure fire at the Greenway Flats on West Las Vegas Street. Investigators have deemed the fire accidental and was caused by an unattended candle.

The fire did not extend into any other apartments and tenants were allowed back in upon the completion of investigator work.

Unattended candles are also another leading cause of fires locally, according to the fire department.

“Never leave a candle burning when you leave your home or go to sleep, always keep the candle away from combustibles and ensure all candles are secure and out of reach of children,” the release Tuesday stated.