JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Investigators say a fire at a Jefferson County home earlier this month was caused by a propane grill on the back porch.
The fire started early in the morning of Aug. 14 at a home on South Ward Way near West Belleview Avenue and South Simms Street.
The homeowners told 9NEWS their home is a total loss but they were able to get out of the home safely, thanks to an unsuspected hero, the family dog.
"She was very playful and loving she just wanted to cuddle everybody," Jaxson Coley, the 13-year-old dog owner, said. "I'm still in shock."
West Metro Fire said the fire started on the back porch of the house Coley shared with his grandparents, Suzanne Elkins and her husband, Victor.
"Sound asleep," Elkins stressed. "Cuddles hopped on Victor's chest and barked in his face to wake him up to let us know that there was a danger."
Elkins could see flames reach her second floor windows but she could not see Cuddles, her grandson's 7-year-old dog.
"Victor went back in and searched for her with all the smoke and flames and that's how he burned his foot by running out and we did not know what happened to Cuddles then," Elkins explained. "I think it's hard on all of us."
Cuddles was found a few days later underneath a bed. Elkins said she likely died of smoke inhalation but not before saving their lives.
"Really without her doing that who knows what would have happened to us," Elkins added. "Love on your dogs. They're not given enough credit I think for how powerful they can be."
West Metro Fire said on Aug. 27 that investigators determined the fire was caused by a propane grill that was placed too close to the wood frame structure on the back porch. The grill had been used about six hours before the fire started, firefighters said. The homeowner believed the grill had been turned off, but investigators were unable to confirm that because the grill was extensively damaged.
Elkins and the entire family are thankful for all the support they've received from their neighbors and the community, she especially noted her neighbors, Robin, Jordyn Jensen and Dena LeMieux. Friends and family created a GoFundMe to help offset the costs as they navigate the insurance process.
One thing she hopes everyone keeps in mind is to invest in a fire-proof safe. Elkins and her husband lost everything in the fire including their licenses, credit cards and car keys but they did have a safe with their passports and a little cash.