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Dogs Alert Residents Before Wind-Fueled Fire Engulfs Home In Larkspur

LARKSPUR, Colo. (CBS4) - Three people and two dogs escaped safely after their home was engulfed in fire early Wednesday morning. Strong winds, cold and ice hampered firefighting efforts to extinguish the blaze.

Just after 5 a.m. flames began shooting from the front of the home, located on the 6500 block of Winged Foot Court.

Larkspur house fire
(credit: CBS)

One of the family members said they woke up when they heard the family dog barking and were able to wake everyone up and leave the home uninjured.

"The family member heard the dog barking and when they got up to find out why the dog was barking that's when they saw the flames and they were able to get all the residents in the home up and able to evacuate everybody," said Douglas County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lori Bronner.

Fire Investigation Larkspur TOUCH MAP

Windy conditions made the firefight difficult, as well as icy conditions on the roads.

"Winds were an issue, wind brings oxygen to the flames and makes it harder to fight but these guys are really good, they're trained to work in the elements, especially out here where the wind blows pretty good, so they're able to work against the wind and put out the fire," said Bronner. "Right now it's winter and the roads out here are very slick so the fire crews had to put cleats on their shoes so they could remain upright while they're fighting the fire."

response vehicles, larkspur fire
(credit: CBS)

The roof collapsed and the home has been deemed a total loss.

"The roof had collapsed. When the fire gets up through the roof and into the walls and collapses, it pretty much takes everything else with it," said Bronner.

The American Red Cross is working with the displaced residents of the home.

What caused the fire is being investigated.

"According to the family member when she did see the flames it was in the dining area, so that's the area where we'll start looking," said Bronner.

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