Authorities Rescue Two Children from Centennial House Fire; Injuries and Missing Pets Reported
A house fire in Centennial on Sunday led to a dramatic rescue of two children and left three first responders injured, while six pets remain unaccounted for. The blaze occurred along the 4800 block of S. Gibraltar Lane, prompting an urgent multi-agency response.
Heroic Rescue by Deputies
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Deputies Ryan McConnell and Christopher Calderón were the first to arrive at the scene. They acted quickly upon hearing screams coming from the backyard, where they found a young boy and girl. Battling thick smoke, the deputies carried each child over a neighbor’s fence to safety. Both deputies, who suffered smoke inhalation, were treated and released at the scene.
“I signed up for this job to help people, and I’m not going to shy away when someone needs it,” McConnell, an eight-year veteran, stated.
Fire Response and Injuries
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) reported heavy fire conditions upon arrival and quickly transitioned to a defensive approach. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for injuries, while the extent of their condition remains unclear. Multiple agencies, including the Aurora Fire Department and Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, provided assistance.
The fire, reported at 11:53 a.m., was declared under control by 12:57 p.m., but the house sustained significant damage. SMFR continues to investigate the cause of the blaze.
Pets Still Missing
Although all human occupants of the home were safely evacuated, one dog and five cats are still unaccounted for. Rescue crews have not yet determined their whereabouts.
Community Response
This fire marked the first house fire call for Deputies McConnell and Calderón, who remain humble about their actions. “It’s about doing everything possible to help whoever needs it,” Calderón said.
The investigation into the fire’s origin is ongoing, and the community is rallying support for the affected family and first responders.
