Fatal Fire In Aurora Triggers Investigation

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - A man died in a fire at a home in Aurora overnight, and so far it's not clear how that fire started.

Just before 4 a.m. Thursday firefighters rushed to the house at 14065 E. 26th Ave., near the intersection of 26th and Billings. When they arrived, heavy smoke was coming from the second story of the house.

"It was a rapidly evolving scene. We had heavy smoke and flames showing on our arrival. That initial crew went into a rescue mode and quickly entered the fire to search for anybody that was inside," said Aurora Fire Department Cpt. Allan Robnett.

Five people got out the home safely, but firefighters found the man on the second floor and he died at the scene.

"Because it's a fatal fire, we will initiate a crime scene and work with police officers until we determine the cause of the fire. If the cause is determined to be accidental then the fire investigators from the fire department will continue with the investigation," Robnett said.

Family members said he was trapped by the fire.

Amanda Reese lives next door to the home that was on fire. She said the man was her best friend's grandfather.

"I was worried that somebody was hurt. Unfortunately her... her grandfather didn't make it," said Reese.

The fire burned through windows that had been previously boarded up. It destroyed an upstairs bedroom.

The fire was described as large enough to wake an entire neighborhood.

"When I looked out my window there were tons of lights and smoke and I tried going around the corner to see if anyone could tell me anything but they wouldn't give me any information," said Reese.

One of the five people who got out okay was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

So far it's not clear where the fire started or how it ignited.