One Fatality In Early Morning House Fire

Laramie fire officials have confirmed one fatality in an early morning house fire on Frontera Drive.

The Laramie Fire Department received notice of a blaze at 1163 Frontera Drive at 6:50 a.m. and arrived within five minutes of the call. Mike Hotchkiss, shift commander, says the department was notified that an individual was still in the residence, and they immediately began attempts for rescue.

Responders immediately attempted to locate the victim inside the home, but they had to make an emergency exit due to high heat and smoke, coupled with a high volume of storage, says Hotchkiss. They then gained entry at another part of the house but again had to evacuate.  Once ventilation was established attack crews were able to effectively extinguish the main body of the fire.  Crews were unable to rescue the person inside.

The identity of the victim has not been released. Hotchkiss says the individual was unable to escape the home due to medical reasons.

The Laramie Fire Department responded from 3 fire stations with 12 personnel on 3 fire engines, an aerial ladder truck, an ambulance and a command vehicle.  Other agencies providing assistance at the incident included the Laramie Police Department, Albany County Sheriff Office, Source Gas, Rocky Mountain Power and the City of Laramie Street’s Department.

One firefighter on scene sustained minor injuries during suppression efforts.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.