Tarn Trail Structure Fire

Monday, June 04, 2007 - Breckenridge, CO

At approximately 10 p.m. Sunday night, Red, White & Blue Fire District was called to a structure fire in Blue River.

When crews arrived at 61 Tarn Trail, they found light smoke coming from the house.

The homeowner, Kevin Brown, stated that he and his wife made dinner around 6 p.m. that evening, and went to bed at 9 p.m., closing the bedroom door.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Kevin and his wife were awakened by a smoke detector sounding outside of their bedroom. When they opened the door to investigate, they noticed smoke in the hallway and followed it to the kitchen, where they noticed heavier smoke and flames.

The homeowner initially attempted to put out the fire with water, calling 9-1-1 shortly after that when the flames reached up over the hood of the stove and near the cabinets. He then grabbed a fire extinguisher and was able to smother the fire. The Browns then exited the house to the garage, and waited for the fire department.

Red, White & Blue firefighters verified that there was no further extension of fire in the house, walls or attic space. They ventilated the house, clearing the smoke out of it.

The fire appears to be accidental and was started when a plastic cutting board was placed on a gas stove and smoldered for a few hours before igniting. The homeowners mistakenly thought they had turned the stove off; instead it was turned to "Low."

"A critical factor in the positive outcome of this unfortunate situation is that the homeowners had working smoke detectors," said Battalion Chief Mike Rutherford. "The smoke detectors woke the occupants and gave them an opportunity to not only keep themselves safe, but also to help prevent further damage to their house," he said.

Red, White & Blue urges all homeowners and renters to check their smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries twice a year. Residents are encouraged to also make sure their house addresses are visible from the road and if possible, meet the firefighters upon their arrival.

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Press Contact:
Capt. Kim Scott, PIO
cell: 970.485.4374
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