At approximately 7:45 p.m. on April 17, WestCo dispatch received a 911 call regarding a fire. That call originated from the residence at 119 Payson St. in Naturita, and the reporting party stated that smoke was visible and coming out of the roof at the residence next door.
WestCo dispatch immediately dispatched the Nucla-Naturita Fire Department (NNFD) to respond to that structure fire, and the Montrose County Sheriff Office was also notified and sent deputies.
Montrose County arrived on scene within a few minutes, also reporting visible smoke, which was coming from under the roof of a mobile home, located next door to the reporting residence. One firefighter arrived on scene at 125 Payson St., confirming with NNFD that the structure was partially involved in fire, affecting the east and north side of the structure and with heavy smoke production under the roof.
First-responders reported that the occupant of the structure had safely evacuated, claiming no injury or illness related to the fire. At the same time, neighbors in the area were actively engaging the outside of the residence with garden hoses, in order to keep the fire from spreading outside the property.
San Miguel Power Association responded to the scene too, rendering the electric supply safe. Black Hills Energy responded as well, disconnecting the natural gas supply to the residence.
NNFD responded to the Payson Street fire with an engine from the Naturita Fire Station, and a second engine from the Nucla Fire Station, while contacting the resident from the structure to ensure that it was unoccupied, before beginning fire suppression on the residence.
Additional volunteer firefighters arrived on scene, making for a total of 10 volunteer firefighters working to extinguish the fire. Three firefighters donned protective breathing apparatus (SCBA) and made entry into the residence, finding no occupants.
The fire was found to involve approximately one-third of the structure, at the north and east side of the building, but fire had spread into the roof. Access to the fire was obtained by removal of ceiling material internally. External access required ventilation of the roof and removal of some roofing materials, as well as a small section of an exterior wall.
Thanks largely in part to neighbors’ efforts and the quick response of the fire department, the fire did not fully engulf the residence and was extinguished. The structure did suffer significant fire damage to approximately one-third of the building, as well as extensive smoke and water damage throughout the residence. No damage was suffered on neighboring properties, however.
Best of all, nobody was injured by the fire or in the efforts to fight it.
‘The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and will be investigated by MCSO and NNFD,” said Fire Chief Bryan Keeton.
Keeton wishes to express his gratitude to all parties involved in this incident, especially to the citizen neighbors, who were of great assistance. He would also like to express his pride, and gratitude, for all the NNFD volunteers who are willing to leave the comfort and safety of their homes to be of service to the community in a time of need.
