2 homes destroyed, man critically injured in Thanksgiving fire

DUMONT - Firefighters are trying to find out what caused an early morning fire that damaged three homes, some out-buildings and seriously burned one man in Clear Creek County, west of Idaho Springs.
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Fire crews from the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, Evergreen Fire Department and Central City Fire Department battled the fire, which was extinguished just before 8 a.m. Thursday. The blaze was located on County Road 310 in Dumont. The town is south of Interstate 70 and about ten minutes west of Idaho Springs.

American Red Cross crews on the scene say two of the homes were completely destroyed by the fire and the third was seriously damaged.

Witnesses told 9NEWS shortly before 5 a.m. they could see flames from at least ten blocks away. A 9NEWS photographer on the scene reported hearing explosions around 6 a.m. It is now believed that the fire may have ignited propane tanks at the homes, as well as gas tanks from cars.

Clear Creek County Sheriff Don Krueger confirmed that one person was severely burned in the fire and was airlifted to a hospital in Denver. The Red Cross says as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday the man was conscious, but in critical condition. Authorities say eight others were able to escape from the homes safely.

There is no word yet how the fire started. Firefighters say it is possible the Colorado Bureau of Investigation may be called to help determine a cause.

County Road 310 remains closed as fire crews finish cleaning up.