The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
From the Crested Butte Fire Protection District
Crested Butte Fire and EMS units were dispatched at 8:07 p.m. on Friday, October 2 to a report of a fire at the Grand Lodge in Mt. Crested Butte. Prior to the arrival of fire units, guests had reported a smoke alarm going off in a nearby room. Lodge staff identified the unit in question and were met by heavy smoke along with flames visible in the kitchen. Lodge staff members acted quickly to deploy a fire extinguisher to the fire area. Smoke, now in the hallway, quickly activated the building-wide fire alarm system. An evacuation was in progress when fire units arrived.
Initial CBFPD personnel arrived within five minutes from the Mt. Crested Butte Fire Station and were supported by additional volunteer and paid personnel from Crested Butte and Crested Butte South. As lodge staff members on site had effectively discovered and extinguished the fire, firefighters on scene worked to evacuate smoke, ensure that the fire had not extended beyond the immediate area, and investigated the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings indicated that guests had recently checked into the room and placed a bag of groceries on a countertop that contained an integrated cooktop. Placement of the groceries inadvertently activated the burner. Prior to realizing the situation, the guests left for dinner in town and were later notified of the fire in their unit. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately two hours.
All guests were able to re-enter the building by 10 p.m. No damage estimate was available as of press time; however, fire damage was contained to the kitchen area and most smoke damage was limited to furniture, fixtures and luggage within the affected unit. One individual in the fire area was evaluated for potential smoke inhalation without the need for further treatment or transport to the hospital.
Eight CBFPD personnel responded with five vehicles and were assisted by officers from the Mt. Crested Butte Police Department and the Crested Butte Marshal’s Office. Life safety systems in the building, including the local smoke detectors, the building-wide fire alarm system and well-maintained and proximal fire extinguishers were all instrumental in protecting lives and limiting damage. The fire did not become large or hot enough to activate the fire sprinkler system.
This fire occurred at the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week when CBFPD reminds all local residents and property owners to make sure your smoke detectors are tested at least monthly and that smoke detector batteries are replaced annually. Fire extinguishers should be located in accessible locations and checked annually to ensure they are charged and ready for use. Carbon monoxide detectors, monitored fire alarm systems, and fire sprinkler systems provide an additional level of safety that may be required in certain circumstances.
Residents and visitors are also reminded to always ensure that stoves, ovens and cooktops are turned off when not in use. Additionally, outdoor fires and wood burning fireplaces should not be left unattended. If you suspect a fire or other life safety emergency, such as a carbon monoxide alarm going off, evacuate immediately to a safe area and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to fight a fire that is producing large amounts of smoke or that has become too large to extinguish. If possible, close the doors behind you as you evacuate to reduce the spread of smoke and flames.
For more information on fire safety contact the Crested Butte Fire Protection District at (970) 349-5333 or visit us online at: www.cbfpd.org.
