Investigators say the cause of a in Aurora was electrical and that the blaze has been ruled an accident.
The fire broke out at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in a home on the 12700 block of 7th Avenue. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find heavy black smoke and flames pouring from the building.
One person died in the fire and a second was critically hurt. The name of the person who died has not been released.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office said Friday morning it could be days before they formally identify the victim.
Update 12710 E 7th Ave fatal structure fire, investigators classified fire: accidental, cause electrical
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt)
Officials say five others in the home were taken to hospitals for treatment and evaluation.
Lt. Laure Bridges, an Aurora Fire Rescue spokeswoman, described those in the home as a family, several of whom were young adults.
Update: 12710 E 7th fire, AFR actively fighting fire, media staging 7th/Revere
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt)
A video taken at the scene showed thick smoke and flames still shooting into the air about an hour after fire crews first arrived. Two homes adjacent to the home that caught fire had some external damage.
Albert Saavedra was driving by when he saw the fire and rushed over to help. He said a man outside the engulfed home was asking for help to rescue his wife.
“I tried to help,” Saavedra said, becoming emotional. “I went in. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t see anything.”
