Story updated on Thursday at 2:30 p.m..

The cause of a fire at the Affordable Inns in Glenwood Springs on Wednesday remains under investigation.

The Glenwood Springs Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the Affordable Inns in West Glenwood at 8:43 a.m. Wednesday morning. Active flames were reported, though only smoke was visible when fire crews arrived.

According to a Thursday press release, firefighters immediately deployed an attack line and advanced into the fully smoke-charged ground-level corridor where they made entry into the room full of fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, and overhaul operations began to ensure the fire had not extended into the second floor or adjacent rooms. Although the fire was contained in a single room, the building sustained severe smoke damage throughout.

The press release goes on to state that firefighters used ladders to rescue two parties and two dogs through the second-floor windows.

“This fire had the potential for significant loss of life and property,” Incident Cmdr. Doug Gerrald said. “I am relieved all occupants and employees were able to be removed to safety and without significant injury.”

Two parties were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and one firefighter sustained a minor injury fighting the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Garfield County Fire Investigation Team, in conjunction with the Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

Three fire engines, one ladder truck, three ambulances, two investigation vehicles and five staff and command vehicles with 17 firefighters responded from Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue and Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

Visual Journalist Chelsea Self can be reached at 970-384-9108 or cself@postindependent.com.