GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — At approximately 1:40 p.m., the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to reports of a residential structure fire on the 260 block of Lauralee Avenue. Multiple callers to 9-1-1 reported flames in the rear of a residence that had spread to nearby fencing and overhead power lines.
The first arriving crews found a structure fire that had extended through the roof and into the attic. Firefighters worked in extreme heat to deploy multiple hose lines and aggressively attack the rapidly advancing fire. Crews encountered propane cylinders and other fuel sources on the property that intensified fire conditions and increased hazards to firefighters.
Despite suppression efforts, the fire spread to a neighboring residence, requiring crews to battle two structure fires simultaneously. As conditions deteriorated and the roof of the primary residence began to collapse, firefighters transitioned from an interior offensive attack to a defensive strategy. Firefighters utilized the aerial ladder and master stream on Truck 1 to deliver large volumes of water and bring the fire under control.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. Five dogs are believed to have died in the fire. Grand Junction Police Department Animal Control responded to assist with four additional dogs displaced by the incident.
The American Red Cross is assisting nine individuals from the primary residence and two from the neighboring home that sustained fire damage.
Fire Safety Reminder
The Grand Junction Fire Department urges residents to exercise extreme caution during the current period of hot, dry, and windy weather. These conditions can significantly increase fire danger and allow even small fires to spread rapidly.
Residents are encouraged to:
Properly extinguish smoking materials and dispose of them safely.
Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
Use caution when operating equipment that may produce sparks.
Secure trailer chains to prevent them from dragging on roadways and creating sparks.
For more information, contact the Grand Junction Fire Department Community Outreach Office at (970) 549-5800 or [email protected].