One still missing after Montezuma house fire

SUMMIT COUNTY — Authorities are still searching for Summit resident Dan Campbell who is unaccounted for after a fire completely destroyed his home just two miles east of Montezuma on Tuesday night.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office, Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation are concentrating on locating Campbell, as well as search for clues as to what caused the fire.

“At this point we have to be very careful not to make any assumptions,” said Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue public information officer Brandon Williams, who said a family member of Campbell’s confirmed he was still missing.

Tuesday night, Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue quickly responded to 6895 Montezuma Rd. after one of the residents called 911 upon returning home. According to the fire department, there was heavy smoke and flames leaping from the house.

“Access to the site was extremely complicated and there were no hydrants so we had to truck in all our own water,” Williams said.

Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue crews responded with multiple engines equipped with portable water tanks and were assisted by emergency responders from Red, White & Blue Fire District, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Ambulance, and Summit County Road and Bridge.

“We could see the flames nearly a mile out as we headed up,” said Battalion Chief Travis Davis, noting the heavy fire damage sustained caused the floor of the structure to become unstable and collapse as the first responding crews approached.

Although initial fire crews arrived approximately 15 minutes after they received the call, the building was already partially caved in when they arrived and completely collapsed within a half-hour.

Representatives from the Summit County Red Cross say the Campbell family has been put up in temporary lodging and are receiving emotional support through Advocates for Victims of Assault.

“We provided mental health services, lodging and food assistance,” said Lindsay Ishman with the Red Cross. “One family member is still missing so we are working with Advocates to help with the family’s emotional needs.”

According to Williams, investigators will continue to work as long as necessary to determine the point or origin and cause of the fire.

<i>Ashley Dickson can be reached at (970) 668-4629, or at adickson@summitdaily.com.</i>