Fireman injured in S.F. fire

SOUTH FORK—If there is one thing that is unique about small communities like South Fork, it is the outpouring of support that comes from family, friends and neighbors in times of need and the Outdoor Depot saw that first hand after a fire broke out in the early hours of Jan. 10.

Co-owner Kari Navara confirmed Thursday, Jan. 11 that the fire was caused by an electrical issue and that the entire inside of the east building was a total loss. “It was an accident that was caused by an electrical issue and that was all. We are lucky to still have the structure, thanks to the efforts of the local fire departments from South Fork and Del Norte,” said Navara.

The business has been working on an addition to the east building that the Navaras purchased in 2008, after deciding that they wanted South Fork to be their home. Outdoor Depot has played a huge role in the community by not only bringing a new, successful business to the area, but also starting an annual event known as the Jeep Jamboree. Owner Rob Navara contributes to area festivities such as this year’s Winter Wonderland at the visitor center and actively participates in town meetings on a regular basis.

The Navaras have been outspoken about their love of the community for the past several years, hoping to see South Fork grow and become a Colorado destination.

“We want to thank the community for their outpouring of support. Local restaurants showed up with food and people came to check on us and offer their help if we need it. Everyone has been more than wonderful during this difficult time,” said Navara.

When the call came in for the fire early Wednesday morning, the South Fork Fire Department called the Del Norte department to assist in the situation. While responding to the fire, a Del Norte firefighter by the name of Adelmo “Demo” Trujillo was injured.

He was flown out to Colorado Springs but was recovering well Wednesday evening and was expected to return home on Friday, according to Del Norte Fire Chief Gilbert Trujillo, Demo’s older brother.

Occurring around 5:30 a.m., Chief Trujillo said Demo was working his way up the second story of the building in the back and fell off because the guardrail was missing. The chief said Demo landed on his side and fractured seven ribs and broke an elbow. He also had blood in his lungs, he added.

The chief said the firefighter was flown out as a precautionary measure and as of Wednesday night was resting and recuperating at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Demo’s wife and parents were at the hospital with him.

The chief commented, “as firefighters this kind of incident is always a possibility, regardless of how well prepared the team is. It’s not if, it’s when. You kind of expect it.” The firefighting community is like a brotherhood, he said, and the Del Norte department literally so, as the chief and his brothers and father have all served or are still serving on the department. Not only as the chief but as a big brother, Gilbert Trujillo said something like this is “gut wrenching, you can never really prepare for it.”

He added, “Every fire you go to, you make that one commitment that we all signed on to that everybody goes home.” And Delmo did; according to recent comments made by the chief, his brother made it home and is in the process of recovery as of Monday, Jan. 15.

There continues to be gratitude from the family and the department for the outpouring of prayers from the two communities.