Structure Fire - 08/01/11 - Hesperus, CO

On August 1st, 2011 at 1905 hours, Fort Lewis Fire District (FLFD) firefighters were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 14193 Highway 140 in Hesperus, CO. FLFD Fire Chief Steve Ebner arrived on-scene shortly after being alerted and found the one-story (with finished attic) single family dwelling well involved. The “A” side of the building was at grade; however the “C” side had a “walk-out” basement below the grade of side “A.” A defensive fire attack was initiated as FLFD units began to arrive.

A 4” supply line was laid from the highway, down the long driveway to facilitate water shuttle operations. Mutual aid was requested from Durango Fire (two Water Tenders and an Engine Company); Mancos Fire (one Water Tender); and San Juan County, NM Fire District 4 (one Water Tender). The lone occupant of the home, as well as the family animals escaped the burning structure without injury. According to Chief Ebner, nine pieces of apparatus and approximately 27 personnel brought the fire under control. Flammable liquids that were being utilized in the basement contributed to the rapid fire spread throughout the home.