Help Boulder Family Recover from House Fire
On the night of August 26, 2021, shortly after 10 PM, neighbors of the Hernandez-Salvador family noticed flames coming out of the shared trash room below their 2nd-story apartment. The young family, including parents Tania and Isaiah, their two elementary-age sons, and two dogs, had just moved in a few weeks earlier. The family was settling into their new home and the sons had just started school a week before. Over the next 10 minutes, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the front of the apartment and spreading through the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. As firefighters and first responders quickly arrived, the family had to jump from the 2nd story bedroom window to the parking lot below. Both parents sustained broken feet from the impact of landing, and the dogs sustained minor injuries from the fall. For the next two hours, neighbors watched as firefighters extinguished the smoldering flames, which nearly spread to surrounding units. The fire burned so hot and so fast that firefighters could not enter the premise, and instead had to create holes in the roof for their hoses. Beside losing their new home, the family lost all of their belongings, including precious family memories and the kids’ favorite toys.
While it is unknown at this time what started the fire in the trash room, investigators have said that something as small as a dead battery against a piece of metal can lead to ignition. Although the thick smell of smoke and chemicals lingers, we are grateful that everyone survived thanks to the rapid response from firefighters including both Boulder and Louisville units. This was a terrifying night for all nearby neighbors and most of all for the family who was in a state of shock after such an unexpected disaster.
Over the last 36 hours, the neighborhood and Boulder community have come together for the Hernandez-Salvador family, including caring for their dogs, taking shopping trips, and coordinating support with the Red Cross and other groups. For the family, the fire has huge monetary costs including hospital and ambulance bills, as well as physical and mental effects from surviving such a traumatic event. Once they establish new housing, they will have huge costs from repurchasing all household items, clothes, pet items, etc. Please consider giving to Tania, Isaiah, and their family while they try to recover and rebuild their lives. The family passes on their thanks and gratitude in advance for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
*From the author: I am an immediate neighbor and friend of the family who is coordinating this fundraiser for them, with their consent and support.
