Thornton GULCH FIRE
634 views · Published 29 September 2009 · 9:52 · Indexed 30 October 2026
Channel: micme0083 · 2009 · Autos & Vehicles
The Thornton Fire Department says the fire broke out in a 20-acre area, burning a portion of it, near Locust Street and 123rd Avenue. Smoke could be seen in the immediate area. Arson teams were investigating the area, although Thornton fire officials have not determined whether the blaze was started deliberately or by accident. Thornton Fire officials reported flames reaching to 15 feet in the air during the height of the blaze, which stretched between several dozen homes at the eastern edge of the city. The fire was confined to a wetlands area just south east of East Lake Reservoir 3. According to police, damaged crops consisted of dried out cattails and other weeds. "We committed most of our resources to the south side," said Glenn Duran, Battalion Chief with Thornton Fire. Crews believe the fire started at the south end of the reservoir near 123rd Avenue. "We tried to get ahead of it. It's common to let it burn, but at [the point of employment of resources] there were too many exposures. Our game plan was an aggressive fire attack to actually put that fire out," said Duran. The 9NEWS Weather Team says winds were gusting at about 10 mph at the time. No structures were damaged by the blaze and no injuries were immediately reported. According to many families and neighbors with property nearby the blaze, any fire you can see within a few feet of your home is too close for comfort. "I was just watching from my deck, and it got so hot that you could feel the heat and see the ashes flying near the house," said Delany Chandler, a 15-year-old who was at home when the fire burned behind her parents' house. "We don't ever think that's going to happen, but when it does happen it scares you a little bit." (Copyright KUSA*TV, All Rights Reserved)
