Second Fire in a Week Ravages Gilpin Home

CeCe Miller

1/13/2005 - Last Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning, no creatures were stirring in the sub-zero temperatures until 3:20 a.m. when Central City Fire and Gilpin Ambulance were toned for a structure fire in a remote part of Gilpin County. Gilpin Dispatch was relaying there were flames already in the front part of the home.

  Due to the location, Chief Allen requested mutual aid from High Country and Colorado Sierra Fire Departments for four-wheel drive water tenders. The county became alive with the sounds of sirens. The glow from the fire could be seen six miles away.

  Black Hawk Fire was requested to cover Central City and the new Parkway, so as not to leave them unprotected during the fire.

  The homeowner, Pete Anderson, called 9-1-1 from his cell phone after being awakened by smoke detectors and finding thick smoke filling the hallway. Escaping via the back door with his dog because the front door was blocked by smoke, he “tried to use a garden hose but the line was frozen.” 

  Accessing the home was difficult. Chief Allen entered from a forest service road off Bald Mountain Road and then advised incoming units not to use this approach as it was almost a bobsled run and would be unsafe for fire trucks. The other entrance came from behind Columbine Campground, and up a forest service road that was snow packed with over two feet of snow but was doable according to the first in Central City units. As more trucks arrived in the area, they were advised to install tire chains as the forest service road was becoming more impassible. Gilpin County Road and Bridge was called and after several passes the road was better, still it required four-wheel drive and chains. 

  When the first fire trucks arrived on scene, they found the front half of the house had already collapsed in on itself and the owner was out safely, sitting in his truck. It now became a matter of saving the two storage sheds adjacent to the home, a 5^th wheel trailer and the forest. Crews worked diligently and were successful in sparing the adjacent structures and the forest. 

  As the temperature continued to fall and the snow started, firefighters had to be aware of the possibility of frostbite. Their bunker gear was caked in ice and moving around became more difficult. Occasionally firefighters took turns warming up in the cab of fire trucks, only then returning to the stark conditions.

  As daylight emerged, the loss became more evident. The wood frame home was a complete loss.  Smoldering debris was confined to the foundation area. Despite the loss of his home, Mr. Anderson said he had expected to wait more than an hour for the first fire trucks to arrive. He was surprised they were there in less than half that time and was grateful for what was saved, especially his shed where he kept his tools and generator.

  Mr. Anderson had insurance and had not yet met with his agent at press time to know the extent of damages vs. coverage. He says he wants to rebuild. He “spent a long time looking at vacant land for the perfect spot to live,” and wants to return. He hopes to begin construction this summer. His insurance has arranged for living quarters.

  When asked about donations, he said he is “OK. There are others worse off than me, so help them.”

  The cause is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started in the vicinity of the fireplace.