Propane Tank Explosions Fuel House Fire In SW Denver
DENVER (CBS4)- Multiple propane tank explosions fueled a fire that destroyed a home and three vehicles in southwest Denver early Saturday morning.
One person was injured in the fire at a home near South Yuma Street and West Jewell Avenue. The blaze sent propane tanks flying through the neighborhood.
Firefighters told CBS4 that at least six propane tanks exploded and were scattered around, some landed several homes away.
A neighbor, Tanya Cardwell, took video of the fire and explosions as flames completely engulfed the home.
Neighbor Kirk Kisselman was shaken out of bed by a propane tank crashing onto his roof.
"The propane tank hit the roof up there, and I thought we were dead," said Kisselman.
Officials believe the large, industrial LPG tanks that exploded may have been used by the homeowners for their hot air balloon business.
The husband and wife were inside the home when the fire started and tried to salvage their vehicles. But it was too late.
"We saw his van on fire. We saw him trying to move it into the middle of the street while it was engulfed in flames," said neighbor Tammy Abeyta.
Firefighters discourage anyone from trying to save property in lieu of immediate evacuation when a fire breaks out.
"(That is) very dangerous to them, because they put themselves in a position that could have hurt them greatly," said Denver Fire Department Captain Greg Pixley.
Firefighters were able to keep the flames from engulfing surrounding homes. It took them an hour and a half to get the blaze under control.
"The way those explosions were, I'm surprised that there's that much of the house still standing," said neighbor Gary Bagby.
Investigators worked to determine exactly what ignited the fire.
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
