Thief Targets Firefighters While Crews Rush To Burning Home

DENVER (CBS4)- A thief targeted the Denver Fire Department-- stealing from firefighters while they rushed to a burning home.

Fire crews from Denver Fire Station #14 at 14th and Oneida were called to a house fire less than a mile away. While they were gone fire equipment and clothing were stolen as well as a firefighter's car with a weapon inside.

The call came out about 6 a.m. Feb. 13 when fire crews responded to a carport fire near 19th and Quince.

"They had been on that call for maybe 45 minutes," said Denver Fire spokesman Mark Watson.

While fire crews worked quickly to put out the flames a thief or thieves were making their way into the firehouse.

"They did force entry. They did enter in the living quarters of the firefighters," said Denver Police spokeswoman Raquel Lopez. "They were able to take some personal items, they were able to take some car keys and some department equipment."

The equipment stolen includes a firefighter's helmet, pants, boots and some small firefighting tools. Also taken was a firefighter's personal vehicle-- a 2009 red Ford Escape that had a weapon inside.

"It's unclear because it's evidence at this time we wouldn't be able to provide what type of weapon it is," said Lopez.

Police do not believe there is any threat to the community. There are questions that remain unanswered as part of the investigation such as whether the fire was intentionally set giving the thief a window of time to break into the fire station.

"It's tough to say but it is a possibility," said Watson.