Green River Fire Department responds to two-story house fire

At approximately 5 a.m. Monday morning, the Green River Fire Department, along with Green River Police Department and Castle Rock Ambulance, was dispatched to a report of smoke around the area of Truman Elementary School.

While responding, smoke was visible and coming from about two to three blocks away. GRFD Co-Chief Bill Robinson arrived on scene and notified dispatch it was structure fire, giving them the correct address. Robinson and GRPD officers quickly confirmed nobody was at home.

Engine 2, Engine 22, Tower 2 and approximately 18 firefighters arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. First responders made entry to the split-level home and discovered active fire in both upstairs and downstairs. GRFD teams had the fire initially out in under 10 minutes and started working hot spots, salvage, and overhaul to prepare for investigation.

"Access to the entire house proved difficult, due to a partial roof collapse, however our firefighters were prepared and were able to clear debris to finish the blaze," Robinson stated.

Upon investigation, the cause of the fire was found unintentional and to have started inside the wall from smoldering wood from soldering a water pipe the night before. Nobody was injured during the blaze and the homeowner was able to salvage some items within the home.

GRFD would like to thank Sweetwater Combined Communications Center, GRPD, Castle Rock Ambulance, and Sweetwater County Sheriff's Department for help during the fire.