Neighbor jumps into action, saving life in a fire at Colorado Springs mobile home park
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Fire Department has released new details in this week's fire at a mobile home park, including that heroic efforts from a resident may have saved a life.
Firefighters worked to extinguish a fire at two separate mobile homes in Colorado Springs on Thursday morning.
According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, CSFD, crews responded to reports of a fire at 1339 Arch Street at approximately 7 a.m.
CSFD says they believe the cause of the fire was "improper use of smoking materials."
The fire department says one person was inside when the fire started, but their life was likely saved by a neighbor who pulled them to safety.
"CSFD extends deepest gratitude and appreciation to the neighbor who jumped into action before help arrived," the fire department said.
"I heard banging and he screamed, 'Fire, fire, fire.' And then I peeked out my door, and I looked across from me, and I saw two trailers on fire," said Logan Stark, a nearby resident.
Several residents of the trailer park reported hearing explosions, which the fire department says were caused by several propane tanks that were inside the homes.
Firefighters say they were able to knock the fire down quickly. One person was injured in the fire, but was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to CSFD. Part of that was due to the community's response to the fire.
Several people told KRDO13 they called 9-1-1, banged on their neighbors' doors, or even got out their own water hose.
CSFD Lt. Joey Buttenwieser says that's exactly what you should do if you find your neighbor's home on fire.
"It's important to be able to take those, those small actions or sometimes big actions, to help our friends, our neighbors," Lt. Buttenwieser said. "Knocking on a door, ringing a doorbell, and yelling."
However, the fire department strongly urges caution when taking actions that could put yourself in danger. They don't want to add to the victim count. Running into burning buildings is dangerous enough for them, and they wear a lot of protective gear.
Neighbors told me they visited the man who owned this home, Doc, in the hospital, where they say his injuries are healing.
Neighbors have started a GoFundMe to support the man who lost his home in the fire. You can donate here.
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