A garage fire in Centennial left two children rescued from the backyard and several pets missing.
Firefighters and deputies responded to the scene of a heavy blaze on South Gibraltar Lane, with no adults present at the time.
Firefighters Tackle Blaze in Centennial Home
A fire was reported around 11:53 AM on Sunday at a home on South Gibraltar Lane.
Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and encountered heavy flames coming from the garage.
Due to the intensity of the fire, the fire department switched to a "defensive mode," focusing on controlling the blaze from the outside.
By 1:00 PM, the fire was under control, but extensive damage to the home was evident.
Photos from the scene show heavy smoke and fire damage, especially in the garage and near the front door.
Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant destruction, making the house uninhabitable.
Firefighters and emergency crews worked quickly, with several agencies helping to manage the situation.
Two Children Rescued from Backyard
When authorities arrived, two children, a 14-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, were found in the backyard of the burning home.
There were no adults in the house, and the children had to be rescued from the yard by Arapahoe County deputies.
Deputies Ryan McConnell and Chris Calderón worked quickly to get the kids to safety, despite the growing danger from the fire.
The children were not injured, and both deputies were treated for smoke inhalation after the rescue.
The deputies’ quick response is being praised for ensuring the safety of the young residents during the fire.
Thankfully, the children knew what to do, escaping out of the house and reaching the fence for help.
Missing Pets and Ongoing Investigation
While the human occupants of the home are safe, six pets remain part of the ongoing investigation.
One dog was confirmed dead, and five cats are still missing.
Firefighters continue to search the area for the missing animals as part of the cleanup process.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as the South Metro Fire Rescue Marshal's Office works to determine what sparked the blaze.
The home has been declared uninhabitable due to the significant fire and smoke damage.
Authorities are working to clear the site and ensure all potential hazards are addressed.
