PBR associates help Pueblo family that lost home in Christmas fire

PUEBLO, Colo. -- After a fire destroyed a Pueblo woman's home early Christmas morning, her work associates at Professional Bull Riders are lending a helping hand.

The fire took place around 1:15 am Christmas morning at a residence on the 1500 block of 40th Lane in Pueblo County.

Ruby Beltramo lost everything in the devastating fire. Now, her co-workers at PBR are raising money through a GoFundMe page to help her family get back on their feet.

At time of this story's publication, the page has raised about $8,000 of the $15,000 requested.

“Hundreds and hundreds of people have reached out to us," said Joshua DeGrado, Beltramo's boyfriend and fellow owner of the now destroyed home "The PBR, where she works has reached out and helped us. It’s impressive and amazing.”

One of the first donations they received was $1,000 from World champion Bull Rider Jess Lockwood.

DeGrado says the community support has greatly helped his family stay optimistic during this disastrous holiday season.

One day after the fire, the roof is caved in, charred debris can be found throughout the home, furniture and a variety of other belongings are all destroyed or severely damaged.

“A lot of this stuff is brand new not even two months old,” said DeGrado who moved into the home with his girlfriend just two months ago.

Joshua DeGrado was asleep with his girlfriend early Christmas morning when a friend who was staying over came running into their bedroom to warn them.

“We looked inside the attic space and it was ablaze pretty much end to end," said DeGrado. "Then you have flames bursting out of the ceilings down onto the floor. It was raining fire, it was pretty horrifying.”

Fortunately, no one inside the home at the time of the fire was injured. DeGrado says he was able to grab a few family items before fleeing the burning home.

DeGrado say Pueblo Rural Fire Protection District was on scene just four minutes after their initial 911 call. Firefighters informed him the flames started because of a problem with the fire place and chimney.

“There was a failure and the flames caught the roof beams on fire," said DeGrado. "From there it spread pretty quickly.”

DeGrado is currently in talks with insurance agents, but it is unclear what will or wont be covered.

We'll have the full story tonight at 6 p.m. on KRDO NewsChannel 13. Check back here for updates.