CENTENNIAL, Colo. — A resident who was burning yard debris accidentally started a fire that burned two homes in a Centennial neighborhood Wednesday afternoon.
According to South Metro Fire Rescue, multiple people called 911 around 3:24 p.m. to report black smoke and flames burning between two houses in the 6800 block of South Franklin Street.
The first crews to arrive found a "large volume of fire" in the side yards of two homes. By that time, the fire had spread to the inside of the homes, according to SMFR.
The fire quickly spread through the attack and interior of the homes, SMFR said. Crews also encountered a downed power line, according to the department.
Due to the complexity of the fire, SMFR called for a 2nd Alarm response, which brought 80 personnel to the scene. The fire was finally placed under control after 40 minutes.
Update: Firefighters are making good progress on the fire. One person was evaluated on scene and did not need to be transported to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/NeXgTqVO2I
— South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO) June 5, 2024
All occupants escaped the homes safely. One resident was evaluated by medics at the scene but did not need hospital treatment. SMFR said a firefighter was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion but is expected to be OK.
Investigators determined that a resident burning yard debris accidentally started the fire. SMFR's Fire Marshal's Office and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office are investigating the case.
