Winterpoint

Friday, January 25, 2008 - Breckenridge, CO

Fire officials at Red, White & Blue Fire District have determined the cause of a January 19 fire at Winterpoint Condominiums in Breckenridge. The fire, which caused approximately $50,000 in damage to the unit and furnishings, displaced five occupants, who had arrived early that morning.

"It appears the fire was due to an internal malfunction in one of the electric baseboard heaters," said Fire Marshal Jay Nelson. "Two suitcases, which were placed against the heater, contributed to the spread of the fire and subsequent damages," he said.

At approximately 2:40 p.m. last Saturday, a neighbor in the condominium complex at 200 Primrose Path noticed flames outside of the unit, and called 9-1-1. Firefighters from Red, White & Blue Fire District, along with Lake Dillon Fire Rescue, responded and quickly extinguished the fire. The unit has significant smoke damage to the third floor area, where the faulty baseboard heater was located, and moderate fire damage throughout the rest of the unit.

"During these cold winter months, it is important to keep fire safety in mind as you’re heating your living areas," said Captain Kim Scott. "Keep all combustibles-suitcases, furniture, bedding, basically, anything that can catch fire-at least 12" away from baseboard heaters and any other heating unit," she said. "We also want to remind folks to be sure that every level of your home has a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and to plan and practice a home escape plan with your family."

Please contact Red, White & Blue at 453.2474 if you have a question on home fire safety.

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Press Contact:
Capt. Kim Scott, PIO
cell: 970.485.4374
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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