There was a fire Tuesday at the rural Peyton home of Hugh Bennett and his wife, Josie. The Bennetts, who placed their ages at "80—thereabouts," watched Falcon and Peyton firefighters from the warmth of their vehicle at their ranch.
The couple began building the house in 1936. It was damaged by smoke and fire after a smoldering roof fire ignited. The Bennetts and an employee, Lily Curns, were not injured after smoke filled the home about 2 p.m.
Falcon Fire Chief Vern Kauffman said the chimney had a hole in it and started a fire that "we feel was smoldering up there since last night" in a space between the ceiling and roof. The chief said the Bennetts had smelled smoke off and on during the day.
Firefighters estimated the damage at $15,000.
Bennett was quoted: "It's pretty bad. We're grateful to the Falcon Fire Department—they were here just that quick."
The Fire Department was called at about 2 p.m. At 2:40 the fire was reported under control. Falcon volunteers responded to the scene first, then requested aid from Peyton volunteers about 15 minutes later. Before the fire was under control, 20 firefighters were there.
Kauffman said "there was just smoke" when the first units arrived. He continued: "There was
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some flame, but not much. It basically stayed between the two roofs in a smoldering phase until we opened it up."
The Bennetts had been ranching the property for 45 years. After starting to build the house in 1936, they added to it, according to Bennett, "as we could afford it."
The Bennetts kept their good humor as firefighters and newspeople tramped across their property. The property was marked at the entrance by a wood painting of Pikes Peak.
The Bennetts had to leave the house quickly when it filled with smoke. The Bennetts were not able to take much with them. Still, Bennett said his wife "just had to go get this, that and the other."
Mrs. Bennett lifted a foot to show reporters she still was wearing slippers. It was one of the few items she removed from the house.
Bennett was quoted: "We travel light."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett had been sick this past month. Tuesday was the first time Mrs. Bennett had been outside in three weeks, she said.
Bennett said his two hired hands, who live in other houses on the property, immediately ran to the house to help. "We got out under our own power, but you're never sure," Bennett said.
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Exercise 21.4
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2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education