JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — It was a night neighbors couldn't believe.
But body camera from a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy responding to a fire shows how dire the situation at the Greystoke Condos Saturday was for those who lived there.
Jumping and climbing out of windows, everyone was able to get out safely thanks to emergency crews and Good Samaritan neighbors.
“I just thank God the ladies trusted me enough to jump into my arms,” said neighbor Kit Long, who helped catch jumping people.
Investigators said they believe the early morning fire was set intentionally. A suspect, 29-year-old Alex James Duran, has been arrested, and is being held for investigation of arson and attempted murder.
Now, two days before Christmas, with much of the building gutted, neighbors are doing what they can to help while those displaced wait until insurance kicks in.
“They need money right away to get all the essentials of life. They have nothing,” Greystoke HOA President Dean Mason said.
They've received offers for help from all over, so they've set up a fund.
“All the funds go to them. Going to work with the rest of the HOA members. We’re gonna divided equally among them all. Five different families five different groups,” Mason said.
Mason said the displaced families are doing as well as can be expected, given what happened, but he hopes the money can provide needed relief.
“It’s probably going to go for clothes, it’s probably going to go for general cost of feeding themselves, shoes, you know, jackets because it’s winter. You know, probably most likely some presents we hope for the children,” Mason added.
Trying to be good neighbors during the hardest of times in what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.
“Let’s just try to get them a halfway Christmas if not a full happy Christmas,” Mason said.
To donate to the HOA fundraiser, click here.