Multiple families in Applewood Estates lose their homes to fire
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - KRDO13 has learned that a vehicle malfunction along the interstate potentially sparked the Applewood Fire, which then rapidly spread due to high winds into the Applewood Estates neighborhood, according to the Rye Fire Department.
Flames spread west from Interstate 25 into the residential area, giving families in the mobile home park only seconds to evacuate safely, according to witnesses.
"My dad was fighting the fire in the back with the hose. And then we got told we needed to leave. So then we grabbed my papa's ashes, our birth certificate, stuff like that. And then left," says Hunter Kirk, who lost his home.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Bureau reports that six homes are a total loss due to the fire, while two others can be refurbished.
"There's nothing. The houses are gone. Nothing now. Literally sitting on dirt," say neighbors, Sandy Kirsch and Janelle Perez.
Police have reopened the road, allowing residents to access what remains of their properties.
Homeowner Michael Jenkins described the devastation, sharing a personal account of rescuing his father's ashes.
"I got dad out of there last night. One of the firemen, I was in tears," Jenkins said. "He went in and got him out of the living room off the shelf for me. My family's all right, and I've got my dad's remains. I don't know what I'm going to do from here. Rebuild. Not much of a choice."
For many families, the most painful loss is that of cherished items that held memories, such as childhood photos and cars worked on with fathers, all gone in seconds.
For those like Jenkins, the next step involves the difficult process of rebuilding.
GoFundMe pages have been started to help families affected by the fire. You can find one here and here.
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