A mobile home fire Monday night has displaced three longtime Vallecito Lake residents, consuming the home and all the tenants’ belongings.
“We lost everything,” said Alan Ridgeway, who was renting the unit with his 19-year old grandson, David Ridgeway and their mutual friend, Michael Esper. “The only thing we have are the clothes that we’re wearing.”
According to Upper Pine River Fire Protection District Chief Bruce Evans, the fire was reported at 8:25 p.m. at the mobile home north of Vallecito Lake on West Vallecito Creek Road.
Evans said emergency personnel arrived just five minutes after the dispatch, but the fire already had destroyed the mobile home.
Firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading into the heavily forested area as well as to neighboring homes.
Evans said his crews were assisted by the Durango and Los Pinos fire protection districts. The last crew left the scene around 3:30 a.m.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, Evans said, but it may be connected to a kerosene heater that was being used to thaw frozen pipes. No one was injured.
“We’re still investigating right now, trying to piece together everyones’ story,” Evans said.
Ridgeway said the three men are staying with friends until they find a long-term solution. He said the community has rallied around them since the fire.
“Everyone knows us around here, and they’re helping unbelievably,” he said.
Karen Klingaman, a longtime friend of the men displaced and co-owner of the Rusty Shovel Saloon, said anyone who wants to drop donations can do so at the restaurant.
“They’re the most honest, trustworthy, nicest old-time locals up here,” she said. “They would give the shirt off their back for anybody.”
The displaced tenants are also looking for a place to rent, as well as any available work. Ridgeway can be reached at 769-0655.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
