COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A business owner is begging for change after an out-of-control homeless camp fire ripped through his business.
You may remember this video of the fire on our newscast a week and a half ago. This is on Budget Building Pros on Waynoka Road near Constitution and Powers in the Cimarron Hills area.
“I was terrified,” said Sam Blazerwick, owner, Budget Building Pros. “Because I know there’s a lot of equipment on the property and a lot of businesses that could be at risk from a fire.”
It took nine firefighters from Cimarron Hills Fire and Falcon Fire two hours to extinguish this fire. On January 18, it burned about one-tenth of a hectare. The chief of the Cimarron Hills Fire Department told me it was not an easy fire to fight.
Cimarron Hills Fire Department Chief JT McCloud said, “We got in right away and we didn’t get any water.” “We were working to put out the fire and protect the vulnerability. Then we switched and that’s when the Falcon engine got there. We don’t have that constant water supply.
Sam Blazerwick said homeless encampments have been a major concern for his business for the past few years.
“Let’s just say I’ve called the police at least 10 times since 2020,” Blazerwick said. “This is once a month. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was more than that.”
Cimarron Hills Fire says the fire was started by a person, but remains under investigation. The department told 11 News Firefighters saw people fleeing the scene before El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies had a chance to question them.
“It’s kind of like a waiting game,” Blazerwick said. “When does it get out of hand and that day was unfortunately.”
Blatherwick wants such situations to be taken more seriously. He says his business could have been damaged or worse if the fire department hadn’t responded quickly when called.
The Cimarron Fire Department is working with the Colorado Springs Commissioners to develop a Homeless Task Force. This will help address the growing homeless population.
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