Late morning on Saturday, April 13th, Denver Fire Department firefighters were made aware of two structures on fire on West 39th Avenue and Clay Street around 11:45 am.
Once the initial firefighters arrived and assessed the scene they called for more firefighters and were able to get the fire under control. In total, 75 firefighters were on the scene helping to control the fire.
According to the Denver Fire Department, nine buildings total were involved – three homes and six detached garages.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire. One firefighter was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was able to quickly return to work.
Local news reports shared that one family was displaced from their home, while the other two homes sustained damage only to the outside of the structures.
A fire department spokesperson reported neighbors said they heard a loud explosion just before the fire started. The department is investigating the fire to determine the cause.
What Legal Options Do Victims Of Fires Have?
The aftermath of experiencing a residential fire can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Residential fires can cause extensive damage, cause you to lose some or most of your belongings, and may leave you with injuries, depending on the circumstances.
Victims of residential fires may have legal recourse, depending on the cause of the fire. After the fire, victims tend to file a claim with their insurance. Unfortunately, insurance claims are not always a smooth process.
Insurance companies’ main priority is to protect their bottom line, and this means they may offer victims lowball settlements, flat-out deny policy holder’s claims, or unreasonably delay processing or payment.
In other cases, the fire the victim experienced may be due to the negligence of another person or entity.
In either case, it is likely in the victim’s best interest to hire a lawyer with experience handling insurance claims and property damage claims.
“What the family in Denver has gone through is devastating,” says Kevin Hannon, an attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “our hearts go out to the family affected by this incident. I’ve seen firsthand how the aftermath of a fire like this can impact victims. It’s important that law enforcement determine the cause so that the family can get the justice they deserve.”
Safety Tips To Help Prevent Fires and Minimize Damages
Victims of fires potentially have a lot to lose, including their belongings, their home, pets, and even their own lives. In the aftermath of such tragedies, the importance of incorporating fire prevention methods fire prevention methods is highlighted. Some things that can be done to help prevent fires include:
- Installing and maintaining smoke alarms throughout your home
- Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family
- Exercise caution with cooking appliances and heat sources
- Properly store flammable materials
- Regularly inspect electrical wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage
- Ensure any and all electrical work is done by a licensed professional
- Monitor power lines and promptly report any signs of damage, wear, or sparking
- Request for your electric company to conduct regular inspections and maintenance for electrical infrastructure
Incorporating these tips can help mitigate the risk of fires and help keep you and your loved ones safe.
If you have experienced a residential fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today by calling (866) 331-9303 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
