Owner of burned home in Security-Widefield responds to critics
The owner of a home damaged in a 2017 fire in Security-Widefield said he Is trying to rebuild it and was unaware that it’s on a list to be demolished.
The homeowner at 106 Bradley St. declined to give his name or consent to an interview with KRDO NewsChannel 13 Tuesday. He has been living in a recreational vehicle on his property while he tries to clean it up.
The homeowner disputes complaints from neighbors who said the property is an eyesore and that he allows homeless people to live there.
An El Paso County spokesman said people living on the property may be guests invited to stay there, and not homeless.
“But the place looks like a homeless camp or a junkyard,” said Mike Thompson, who lives behind the home. “I’ve seen as many as eight people there. It’s killing property values in the neighborhood.”
County officials said the home is scheduled for demolition after the homeowner’s appeal to extend a work permit was denied last October, but no date for tearing down the home has been announced.
County officials consider the remains of the gutted home to be dangerous. Code enforcement officers have cleaned the property several times.
Also on the property are three vehicles, a camper, several sheds and tents and a considerable amount of yard clutter.
Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters have responded to nearly 50 service calls to the home since January 2018, including for a recent fire in a shed or tent.
“The calls have been for reports of smoke, things like that,” said Lt. Rob Hollis, of the Security Fire Department. “The initial fire made the home a total loss. The cause is still under investigation. There are hazards on the property and neighbors are concerned about them.”
The homeowner blamed the fire on a worker who used a portable heater in a tent.
According to the county, the owner received a 30-day notice last month, giving him until Friday to clean up the property and leave. If he fails to comply, he’d likely be charged with contempt of court.
Before the home’s remains can be torn down, the county must get court approval for environmental testing of the property, doing the testing within 10 days and then hiring a demolition contractor.
The county said this case is the first time it has had the authority to order that a home be vacated and demolished because it represents a public safety risk.
A neighbor across the street shook her head in sadness at the situation.
“The house was kept up so nice when his parents were alive and owned it,” the neighbor said. “After they died, it went downhill. Look at it now. Such a shame.”
