By Randi Pierce | Staff Writer
Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) personnel battled a residential fire for more than four hours on Feb. 5.
According to a PFPD press release, a structure fire in the 100 block of Echo Drive was reported via 911 at approximately 7:13 p.m. on Feb. 5.
The residence was occupied at the time of the fire, according to the agency, and both residents self-evacuated prior to fire apparatus arrival.
“Prior to fire apparatus arrival, responding firefighters reported active flames from the structure,” the press release explains. “A second alarm was activated and mutual aid was requested.”
The first-arriving units observed a single-story residential structure with active fire in the attic area.
“The first due engine initiated a transitional fire attack, applying water from the exterior and quickly moving to the interior of the structure to extinguish,” the press release describes. “Fire activity degraded structural integrity of the residence and firefighters were forced to move to an exterior defensive fire attack.”
It further indicates the residence is located in an area with hydrants and a water supply was established via hose lays.
The PFPD was on scene for approximately four and a half hours, according to the press release, and firefighters and a fire investigator returned the following day “to continue overhaul and investigation.”
According to the PFPD release, there are no firefighter or civilian injuries to report.
The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation.
The press release explains the PFPD responded with three engines, three tenders, two chief vehicles, one fire marshal vehicle, one support vehicle, 13 paid staff members and 10 volunteers.
One Pagosa Springs Medical Center EMS ambulance staged on scene to provide medical care if necessary. Mutual aid response from Upper Pine Fire and Rescue was requested and responded to cover additional incident calls. The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control in the area, the release explains.
randi@pagosasun.com
