House fire in Black Forest area sends 2 to the hospital

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. -- A blaze engulfed a home early Christmas morning in the Black Forest area, sending two people to the hospital.

The fire broke out at a residence at 13580 Bridle Bit Road around 3:45 a.m., according to a release from Black Forest Fire Rescue.

On the scene, Black Forest Fire Rescue and partnering agencies found a heavy fire consuming about 75% percent of the structure. There were four occupants accounted for, two of which were released against medical advice. A third was transported by ambulance to a local hospital while the fourth was airlifted to a Denver burn unit.

In all, more than 30 firefighters from seven fire agencies supported the operation, overcoming "significant water supply challenges" in the Black Forest area, said BFFR Fire Chief Langmaid in a statement.

The operation required an extensive "water supply shuttle operations" from other agencies in eastern El Paso County, Southern Douglas County and the Air Force Academy.

"As new developments are built in the area, water supply must be addressed by these developers," said Langmaid in the release. The fire chief ended his statement by thanking the multiple responding agencies for their efforts.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.