Central City fire claims home

CeCe Miller

  Sunday was a day of anticipation - for many it was “would the Broncos win the football game,” but for one family, it was about what would be saved. As people settled in for the game, fire department pagers across the county sounded for a structure fire in Central City. Firefighters from throughout the area responded, finding billowing smoke and later, flames leaping from the eaves of the house. All occupants had made it out safely.

  The owner, Joy Cloud, discovered the fire as she was preparing to leave for work. She said she “smelled smoke and went to the storage room where smoke was coming out from under the door.” Her son, Jim, discharged a fire extinguisher as she called 9-1-1 and they left the residence. She said the smoke detectors in the house had recently been removed so she could replace them because they were old, but they never had one in the storage room.

  Central City Fire Chief Gary Allen took command, aided by Chief Ryan Roberts of Colorado Sierra. They orchestrated the arrival of equipment and personnel, (about 20 firefighters). The firefighters attacked the fire from all four sides of the house and the roof, keeping the flames from trees in the front yard. Virginia Canyon Road was closed to all traffic. 

  Entry into the home was eventually made, after ammunition ceased exploding, and a team of firefighters worked to push the fire back to where it started while others on the outside worked in a coordinated effort to keep the fire from spreading and watched to make sure the roof was not going to collapse on those inside. Using multiple hose lines, axes, chainsaws, and other equipment, the fire was finally under control.

  Despite all efforts, the house was a loss. Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Agent Means, assisted in determining the cause of the fire. It was ascertained that the cause of the fire was electrical in nature. Agent Means told Chief Allen he was impressed at the “awesome stop” made by firefighters despite conditions faced.

  Ms. Cloud was insured, but won’t find out until Thursday if there is enough to cover losses. She and her son are staying with friends in Central City in the meantime.  Her desire is to rebuild. She said “the first time I saw that hill I knew that was the only place I wanted to live.” Hopefully her desire will be accomplished.

  She also wants everyone to know she is not asking for anything. She is thankful for what she has and says “thank you” to all who have helped, including her fellow employees at the Bonanza Casino. No formal plans have been set for donations at press time but anyone interested in assisting Ms. Cloud and her son can contact Terry Lee Wallerich at Annie Oakley’s in Central City or at 303-582-5854.