Suspect found deceased after deadly apartment explosion and fire on Colorado's Western Slope

Detectives investigating last week's deadly apartment explosion believe it may have been started intentionally. One person died in the fire and the potential suspect was found deceased after the fire. 

Firefighters rushed to the apartment complex in the 900 block of Iowa Avenue in Palisade at 7:15 a.m. 

When firefighters arrived, the 6-unit apartment complex was engulfed in flames. The building was a total loss and six people were displaced and receiving services from the Red Cross. 

An 18-year-old female died in the fire. 

Investigators said they continue to work to determine the cause of the fire but did say there is no evidence to suggest that the "cause of the explosion resulting in the fire was an explosive device, a drug/narcotics lab or any issue with utilities, such as natural gas."

However, they did say there are preliminary indications that the fire may have been started intentionally. Authorities identified a potential suspect on the afternoon of April 5 and tracked the suspect's phone to Lake County near Leadville. When local law enforcement arrived at the location, they found the suspect deceased. 

That suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Andrew Alderman.

The identity of the person who died in the fire has not been released, nor has the suspect's name or how that person died.