GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. A Grand Junction family is without a home after a fire quickly engulfed it Saturday evening. It happened on South Redlands Road.
Fire officials say a father and three children were inside when it began, but they were able to get out safely. Family members say they built the house just a few years ago. Firefighters were able to save the family cat, who was still in the house after they put out the flames.
House owner Natalie Gaines said, "She's safe, I'm glad she's safe, everybody's safe. We're all waiting to see the damage but there's really nothing left. They're all worried about not having any clothes and stuff, but we'll be okay."
Officials say the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The location of the house made tackling the fire difficult, firefighters had to extend hoses about a fifth of a mile to reach a hydrant. Once they did that they were able to put the flames out in about 15 minutes. The fire was defensive, meaning firefighters could only fight it from the outside. They remained on scene for several hours, completing mop-up.
Fire officials say 19 firefighters were on scene. Two engines, two trucks and an ambulance responded to the incident.
The house is a complete structure loss.
