Fire damages town home in south Springs

Firefighters quickly doused a Tuesday morning blaze that damaged a south Colorado Springs town home.

Firefighters were called to the home at 4250 Charleston Drive, near the intersection of Hancock Expressway and Jetwing Drive, just after 7:30 a.m. The found smoke and fire on the first floor of the home. Three people who were home when the blaze started had safely escaped.

Firefighters said the blaze was caused by food left unattended on a stove.

Dragging hoses, firefighters made their way inside and put out the flames in less than 20 minutes.

Residents of nearby homes were evacuated during the blaze but were being allowed back in their homes by 8:30 a.m., the Colorado Springs Fire Department said in a news release.

A firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze and was treated at the scene and allowed to return to work, firefighters said.

A neighbor suffered smoke inhalation, but was treated at the scene and didn't need to be hospitalized.

The three who lived in the townhome are getting assistance from the Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross to find a place to stay. Damages to their house are estimated at $60,000.