In Fort Collins, Colo. at 1:13 p.m. on May 5, Poudre Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls for a house fire at 1313 Emigh Street in central Fort Collins.
The first arriving engine found a large volume of fire blowing out from one window at the front of a one story, wood frame, single-family residence.
Fire crews made an aggressive interior attack to stop the spread of the well developed fire. During their search, firefighters found two cats in the smoke-filled basement. They both were removed from the residence and treated by PFA firefighters and a Poudre Valley Hospital EMT using a special made pet oxygen mask. These masks were donated to PFA in 2007. Larimer County Humane Society assisted with transporting the cat for treatment to Colorado State University Veterinary School. Only one cat survived.
In addition, other duties such as search, ventilation and property conservation were performed. Crews were able to save all the contents in the garage and most of the personal contents inside the basement portion of the residence from fire. The main level sustained heavy fire and smoke damage in the living area.
Poudre Fire Authority responded a full first alarm assignment consisting of three engine companies, two truck companies, one Battalion Chief, and one ambulance from Poudre Valley Hospital. A second alarm was ordered to provide for safety and additional staffing. A total of five engine companies, two truck companies, two battalion chiefs, two investigators and one incident representative brought the total to twenty-eight PFA personnel on scene. Fort Collins Police Services and the Red Cross also responded to provide assistance.
An investigation into the origin and cause is underway. A dollar figure on damages is not available at this time. There were no reported human injuries.
