A midday fire was reported to Jefferson County 911 center on Dec. 8, just after 11 am MST and Inter-Canyon Volunteer Fire Department was notified to respond to an unknown smoke investigation. Because of low daytime staffing, a considerable delay occurred.
Upon the arrival of Jefferson County deputies, a working fire was found in a large cathedral-style heavy timber construction single family dwelling. Over 30 minutes elapsed before firefighters arrived.
Deputies summoned nearby career department, West Metro Fire Rescue to respond. Lockheed Martin Plant Protection Fire Brigade responded to assist with two units.
Deputies were able to rescue the owner who was fighting the fire awaiting firefighters.
West Metro arrived with 30 firefighters, One telesqurt, two engines, one ladder tower quint, one fire medic unit, one heavy rescue, a district chief and safety officer were involved battling at the blaze.
The structure, fully involved, was fought by West Metro firefighters using a 850 feet lay of five inch hose and three 2 1/2 handlines stretched 300 feet up 15 percent icy incline driveways to save the exposures.
West Metro Fire Rescue did extend Tower 12 and flowed 2,000 gallons a minute to control the blaze along with hand lines.
The home was a total loss of approximately $1M.. The cause is still under investigation. One deputy did have minor smoke inhalation but did not require treatment.
The Jefferson County Sheriff Dispatch Center and West Metro Fire Communication Centers were able to patch high band VHF and 800 megahertz trunked radios but the radio systems failed when the terrain blocked the 800 Mhz radio. Simplex Statewide ITAC radios channels were used and face-to-face communication.
