Fire Destroys Denver Home Early Friday Morning

DENVER (CBS4)- Fire investigators are trying to figure out what started a fire that destroyed a home in Denver early Friday morning.

Firefighters rushed to the home in the 1400 block of Bellaire Street about 4:45 a.m.

When they arrived they found three people standing outside of the home. Two were okay and one woman was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters say because of the time the fire started and how large it grew, those who escaped unharmed are lucky to be alive.

Laine Olmstead tried to comfort his parents as their home burned down.

"As soon as I got the call that their house was on fire I just wanted them to be okay," said Olmstead.

Olmstead's parents and aunt escaped from the burning home.

"I'd say injuries are minimal, so I'd say yes, they're very lucky," said Denver Fire Chief Louis Keller.

It's unclear if the home had smoke detectors but Olmstead said part of the reason his mom and dad were able to get out so quickly is because they were already awake.

"As far as I know my mom said she woke up around 4 to get my dad ready for dialysis and saw smoke toward the back of the house," said Olmstead.

Neighbors told firefighters that at one point flames were shooting through the roof.

Firefighters stayed at the home to put out hot spots for two hours after the initial flame was extinguished.

Fire investigators are working to pinpoint the origin of the fire.