Jan 19 

Written By West Routt Fire Protection District

At 0730 January 19, 2023 West Routt Fire was dispatched to a structure fire in the 1100 block of West Jefferson Avenue in Hayden, CO. The reporting party was reporting flames showing from the home. The first arriving engine found the rear of the structure showing heavy smoke and flames. An initial knock down of the fire was completed within 3 minutes of arrival. The fire had extended throughout the under-structure of the home requiring extensive overhaul to find the extent of the fire.

The resident was home at the time of the fire and was able to evacuate safely. The resident also evacuated some of the pets in the home but was not able to get them all out. A total of 15 cats were found by firefighters and removed from the home. Unfortunately, not all of the cats made it out alive. The Hayden Police Department is assisting the resident with caring for the displaced animals and finding shelter for the residents.

West Routt Fire had three engines, one truck, and an ambulance respond with eight firefighters. Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue provided mutual aid to assist with manpower. Two of the West Routt Fire firefighters experienced minor injuries, including a laceration due to broken glass and were transported for evaluation and treatment by MRH EMS.

We would like to thank our partner agencies that include Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue, Memorial Regional Hospital EMS, and Hayden Police Department for their assistance.

As we are experiencing colder weather again, please keep in mind safe practices to your pipes from freezing. The American Red Cross recommends using a portable space heater with an auto shut off, a hair dryer, or hot towels to thaw pipes. Do not use open flames.

Ensure that smoke alarms are installed and operational in your home. Smoke alarms have the power to save your life. Working smoke alarms give us early warning of a fire, providing extra time to escape safely.