Fire at La Junta structure leaves two dead, ruled accidental

(LA JUNTA, Colo.) — Two people were found dead following a structure fire that spread to a second home on Sunday, May 26 in La Junta.

According to the La Junta Fire Department (LJFD), fire crews responded to a structure fire reported around 6 a.m. Sunday in the 1200 block of Rice Avenue. By the time crews arrived, LJFD said the fire had spread to a second home.

LJFD said firefighting efforts were difficult, due to the confined conditions in the home. Once the fire was extinguished, the two people who lived in the home were believed to be missing, the LJFD said.

Investigators from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) responded along with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Otero County Coroner. LJFD said crews worked long hours Sunday and Monday to process the scene and remove large amounts of debris, after which the two residents of the home were found dead.

The LJFD said autopsies are planned for both people, which will determine the official cause of death.

At the time of the investigation, LJFD said there was no evidence of foul play, as the origin of the fire appeared to be from a laundry room located in the basement of the home. The fire was ruled accidental, the LJFD said.