Video Story
Watch VideoMassive fire destroys home, several buildings near Lake Pueblo
Story By: Ryan Wilson
Source: KOAA
Published Thu Apr 17, 2008, 06:57 PM MDT
Updated Thu Apr 17, 2008, 10:40 PM MDT
In Pueblo, a building with an interesting history was destroyed during an overnight fire. It happened at 5900 Red Creek Springs Road just south of Lake Pueblo. Deputies say it used to be a popular swingers club but it was shut down a few years ago. And after this morning's massive fire, all that's left is rubble.
The 911 call came around 3:30 in the morning, and by the time firefighters showed up flames had engulfed the home and several nearby buildings.
"A lot of fire," Fire Chief Lee Gladney said. "Two-thirds of the structure was fully involved at the time."
Gladney was first on scene and knew right away the buildings were lost. "With that much fire involvement, it's too dangerous to send responders inside and do an exterior attack and do the best you can. Unfortunately, this was a total loss," Gladney said.
The good news is, that the family inside was safe. Deputies say a husband and wife, and their two kids were home at the time. About 25 volunteer firefighters showed up to help, even though many of them have been busy fighting other fires in the area.
"A lot of districts are strapped, helping Fort Carson, as well as Crowley County," Sgt. Eric Medina of the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said.
Officials say the fire easily could have been worse but this time, the weather cooperated.
"The snow was a beautiful, beautiful thing to see with the embers blowing at 3 o'clock this morning," Gladney said. "It really saved us from having any wild land kind of fire."
And now investigators are trying to find out how the inferno started.
Firefighters were still on scene until at least 5 pm Thursday because there was still smoke coming up from the rubble more than 12 hours, after the fire started.
