Georgetown rallies to help victims of condo blaze

Efforts have been organized to help those affected by the June 11 condominium building fire near Georgetown Lake, which displaced 18 people.
Since the fire, local businesses and residents have offered support to those affected by the blaze, which heavily damaged six units at the Creek House Condominiums Complex D, at 840 Argentine St., Georgetown Mayor Kerry Ann McHugh said.
No one was injured, and several trapped pets were found unharmed. The fire’s cause is still being investigated.
“As a community, we’re just harnessing everything we can to make sure that these people are staying here in Georgetown and that we’re able to take care of them,” McHugh said, “because they’re our residents, and we’re their community.”
McHugh said the needs of those displaced by the fire really struck her the morning after, when there were people without shoes.
“They literally lost everything,” McHugh said.
• Donations of clothing and other “soft” items are being accepted at the Georgetown Community School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. For information, call 303-679-2426.
• Larger items such as beds and furniture are being collected by Clear Creek County Advocates. For information, call 303-679-2426.
• Cash donations are being collected in a jar at the town hall.
The town originally acted as the collection point for all donations, but McHugh said the effort quickly outgrew the small office.
Local restaurants, including Ed’s Café that McHugh owns, are donating free meals to the victims.
When Georgetown Mountain Inn general manager Dan Sternberg heard about the fire, he provided the victims with a free night at the hotel. Seven of the hotel’s rooms were filled that first night, and many stayed the majority of the week with the help of vouchers from the American Red Cross.
“It was just the right thing to do,” said Sternberg, adding that over the first few days, town residents showed up to donate clothing, items and money. “They’ve all been very grateful,” he said.
During the blaze, neighbors helped one another evacuate, even breaking down doors and freeing trapped pets, while others tried to contain the flames with fire extinguishers and water from a hose until firefighters arrived.
McHugh said the town’s building inspector is surprised by the lack of damage to the overall structure.
“Our firefighters are so awesome. The whole thing was engulfed in flames, but structurally it is just fine,” McHugh said. “Because they know how to fight a fire.”

Contact Ian Neligh at couranteditor@evergreenco.com, and check www.clearcreekcourant.com. for updates and breaking news.