FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 1, 2018

Contact: Tracy LeClair ERFPD Community Risk Manager/PIO (970) 471-5284 / [email protected]

CREWS QUICKLY EXTINGUISH DECK FIRE ON EASTER SUNDAY AVON, Colorado – At approximately 2:15 this afternoon, crews were dispatched to a multi-residential structure fire in the 200 block of Nottingham Road in Avon. A passerby on I-70 reported visible flames on the deck of a top floor unit. Crews were on scene in minutes, and immediately began an offensive attack. The fire was quickly extinguished, and was contained to a corner of the deck and some of the building’s siding. The two tenants were not home at the time of the fire; however crews did safely evacuate two dogs from the residence. The fire appears to have originated in an ashtray on the deck, and may have been spread by gusty winds. Engine 7, Engine 5, Engine 12 and Battalion 7 responded, and were assisted by Tower 3 from Vail Fire and Emergency Services, the Avon Police Department, Eagle County Paramedic Services, and Vail Public Safety Communications Center. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2011, an estimated 17,600 smoking-material home structure fires caused 490 civilian deaths (19% of all home structure fire deaths), 1,370 civilian injuries and $516 million in direct property damage. Most home fires caused by smoking materials start inside the home. If you smoke outside, put your cigarettes out in a can filled with water or sand. Use ashtrays with a deep, wide, stable base that are hard to tip over. If it wobbles, it won’t work. Ashtrays should be set on something sturdy and hard to ignite, like an end table. Smoking materials should be completely stubbed out in an ashtray. Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can, and never throw a lighted cigarette out the window of a vehicle. Attachment: Nottingham1.jpg; Nottingham2.jpg; Nottingham3.jpg ### Eagle River Fire Protection District is a professional fire service agency and proudly serves Tennessee Pass, Camp Hale, Red Cliff, Minturn, EagleVail, Avon, Mountain Star, Wildridge, Beaver Creek (by contractual agreement), Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Homestead, Edwards, Lake Creek, Singletree, Pilgrim Downs, Cordillera, Bellyache Ridge, Red Sky Ranch and associated portions of I-70, Hwy 6 & 24.