‘Explosion after explosion’: 5 hurt, including baby, in house fire

CONIFER, Colo. (KDVR) — Five people were taken to hospitals after a house caught fire Saturday morning in Jefferson County. That included two adults, an 8-month-old and two Jefferson County deputies.

According to Elk Creek Fire Protection District, all but one patient has since been released, including the baby.

Multiple homes destroyed in 1,150-acre fire near Byers

Around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Elk Creek Fire received multiple calls about the fire in the 12000 block of Styve Road. Small explosions were heard coming from the house fire. While the sheriff’s office said it was likely related to propane tanks, the official cause was still under investigation.

“It was like explosion after explosion. The whole house was shaking, and it was just scary,” said Maleah Morgan, the baby’s mother.

Morgan was still processing the sights and sounds of a fire that happened feet away from her home.

“At first it was this huge thump and then the whole house started shaking. I thought something had fell downstairs in the garage, something really heavy,” Morgan said. “Then the second time it went around, it shook the house, and then glass was falling down on our stairs.”

Elk Creek Fire shared pictures of what’s left of the home.

Scene of a house fire in Jefferson County
Scene of a house fire in Jefferson County

When firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames. FOX31 learned the wildfire was contained at about a half-acre. The house was a total loss.

“The two occupants were able to make it out of the fire. They were both transported to the hospital with some smoke inhalation and potential injuries,” said Bethany Urban, Elk Creek Fire public information officer.

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Morgan and other nearby homeowners had to evacuate out of precaution.

Her 4-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix, Titus, along with her long-haired black cat ran away after being frightened by the noise. Moments after Morgan’s interview with FOX31 wrapped up, both were found.

Elk Creek Fire was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and mutual aid partners North Fork Fire, Evergreen Fire and Platte Canyon Fire.

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