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Gas Explosion A Reminder To Have Appliances Checked

AURORA, COLO. (CBS4) - A gas explosion that caused a raging fire and killed an Aurora woman on Tuesday is a reminder that natural gas leaks are dangerous when homeowners turn furnaces on for the winter.

One woman was killed. The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office identified her as Pamela Tayar, who was in her 60s.

Xcel Energy says now is the time of year that many people turn on their furnaces after sitting dormant for half the year.

Technicians say a small leak can fill a house in a few weeks. A large one can fill a house in just a day. The strong smell associated with natural gas isn't always present, technicians say.

All gas appliances are capable of leaking, Xcel Energy says. It recommends homeowners, if they do smell gas or just want peace of mind, have a professional examine appliances annually.

They're rare, but natural gas explosions can often be fatal.

The flames from Tuesday's fire burned dozens of feet into the air. Investigators say it may have started with a tiny leak and a spark or some sort of ignition created the explosion.

Technicians say these explosions can most often be traced to a hot water heater, stove or a furnace.

Mike Montoya with Xcel Energy says the energy provider receives a lot of calls in the fall when many customers are turning on their furnaces.

"We have pretty delicate instruments that look for small and large leaks," Montoya said. "We do find small gas leaks that you probably couldn't smell."

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