AURORA, Colo. — It was a late Monday night and busy early Tuesday morning for Aurora firefighters after two fires broke out within hours.
Around 10 p.m. Monday, Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a home on fire on South Worchester Street that witnesses said started from possible firework debris on the roof.
Crews did find a fire in the attic when they arrived on the scene. Aurora Fire is investigating what specifically was the origin of the blaze.
In the meantime, the house is temporarily uninhabitable, according to Aurora Fire Rescue, displacing two adults, juveniles, cats and three dogs.
No people or animals were injured in the fire.
AFR crews are now working a second incident in the 600 block of S Worchester street. Initial reports are of a fire that appears to have started on the roof of the structure. pic.twitter.com/8IkvstMjTK
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt) July 4, 2023
Aurora Fire Rescue dispatched more crews to another blaze reported at a townhome complex on East Rice Circle.
Investigators said the main building was unstable, the stairs were burned out, and the fire spread to other buildings.
A few charred belongings in the parking lot are about all that’s left of Alex Kalenian’s childhood home.
“I grew up here since I was probably in first grade, so I mean it was definitely shocking,” said Kalenian. “It's one of those things you don't think would happen to you, you know?”
Kalenian’s mother was inside the home with her two dogs when she heard neighbors yelling.
“When she heard people yelling ‘fire,’ she went to the back and looked out and saw the fire on the deck of the unit next to her,” said Kalenian.
Kalenian’s mom and her two dogs escaped without injuries, as did their neighbors.
“All the important stuff got out, and that's really what matters,” said Kalenian. “It's a shame, but glad nobody got hurt.”
Aurora Fire Rescue does not know exactly how many residents are out of a home as a result.
No residents were hurt, but one firefighter was treated at the hospital for minor injuries. That firefighter is expected to be released Tuesday evening or early Wednesday.
Several Aurora police officers drove themselves to the hospital to get treatment for smoke inhalation.
All of them are expected to be okay.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Kalenian's family has set up a GoFundMe account to help his mother.
AFR crews are working a 2nd alarm fire incident in a townhome complex of the 17000 block of E Rice Circle. At this time, it appears several units are involved with fires on multiple floors. pic.twitter.com/0TuTvajvbx
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt) July 4, 2023
