By Riley Frazee
(SPRINGFIELD, COLO.) A fire that began around 2:10 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2008, has destroyed a restaurant and attached residence in the town of Springfield. Springfield fire and emergency medical services (EMS) were called to the scene, and later requested assistance from fire departments in Walsh, Pritchett, Campo, Two Buttes, as well as Prowers Rural Fire. Flight for Life from Pueblo was also requested, but did not transport anyone from the scene.
The fire was contained by 8 a.m., however fire crews remained on scene to mop up hot spots.
The EMS treated and released one person at scene for possible smoke inhalation. No fire fighters were injured, however one truck received some damage.
The building, located at Ninth and Colorado in Springfield, housed the Home Town Burrito restaurant and included a residence.
An area one block north and south of the fire was temporarily evacuated, however residents have been allowed to return to their homes.
After assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Baca County Coroner Dr. Robert Morrow has confirmed the identities of the three victims who died in the blaze, Rocky Michael Saldana, 56, Pamela Denise Saldana, 47 and Jazz Michael Saldana, 17, died in the blaze that destroyed the Hometown Burrito restaurant and the attached home where the three lived. They were the owner/operators of the business.
Baca County Sheriff Steve Salzbrenner requested and received assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to look into the cause of the fire. Baca County does not employ a fire investigator, resulting in the need for outside assistance. The Springfield Police Department and Baca County Coroners Office also assisted with the investigation.
They determined the fire was caused by an older, faulty duct from a wood burning stove in the residential part of the structure that had not been properly secured at the joints.
There was a smoke detector on the lower floor of the residence. It is unknown if the smoke detector operated during the fire. It is recommended that all residences have a smoke detector on each floor and outside of each sleeping area. Smoke detectors do require some minimal maintenance. A monthly test is recommended to make sure the detector is working. Battery replacement is also recommended at least twice a year.
Springfield is located in the southeast corner of Colorado near the Kansas and Oklahoma borders, and has a population of approximately 2,500.
