Priceless Belongings Saved From Second Alarm Fire
DENVER (CBS4) - A townhome complex in Denver went up in flames Wednesday afternoon during gusty conditions.
The fire started at 1429 S. Ulster Street near Florida Avenue and Parker Road, possibly by a propane tank.
"That's what was initially reported, but we haven't been able to confirm that yet," Denver Fire spokesperson Greg Pixley told reporters on scene.
Part of the homes roof collapsed as flames ripped through the complex. All residents were able to escape the fire unharmed. One firefighter did suffer a minor injury and is expected to be okay.
As firefighters from Denver Fire, Aurora Fire and South Metro Fire Rescue worked to put out the intense flames, a round of applause was heard from neighbors.
The clapping and whistles of gratitude came after a firefighter went into Linda Gunnison's damaged home to rescue precious items.
"It's the most amazing thing ever," Gunnison told CBS4's Kelly Werthmann. "When you're watching [the fire] happen, you're not thinking about your things, but then all of a sudden, they were able to bring this out and you think, 'Oh thank the Lord.'"
Gunnison held back tears as she showed CBS4 the handmade artwork and irreplaceable photos firefighters saved. Among the saved belongings, priceless memories of Gunnison's late mother who served as a flight nurse in WWII.
"She was being pinned by Major General Chennault, so I had this made with her original medals and the original hometown article," Gunnison said.
Gunnison and her husband live next to the townhome where the fire started. They were reunited with their once-missing cats. They say they cannot thank the firefighters enough for what they did to help their community.
"I'm also so glad for the neighbors and friends that came by to give me a hug," she said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team as the morning reporter in 2012. After serving as weekend morning anchor, Kelly is now Covering Colorado First for CBS4 News at 10. Connect with Kelly on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @KellyCBS4.
