FIREFIGHTERS PAY TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO BAYFIELD FIRE VICTIMS

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District identified the victims of a fatal house fire in Bayfield as long-time residents Jim Fitzgerald, a retired college professor, and Terry Fitzgerald, a retired nurse.

The flames broke out on Tuesday "around a propane powered space heater," officials said. "The home was rapidly consumed by fire." The dwelling was built in 1910 with the timber from around the property. The fire district paid tribute to the couple who lived on County Road 525, saying: "They both perished in the fire much like they lived, inseparable, robustly connected to the land." The Fitzgeralds moved into their home in 1970 "to have spectacular views and bring a special tree Jim loved into view. A place their two daughters grew up to love. Some of the adobe walls at the home were a group effort by family, making the bricks from the mud in the canyon," the fire district said. "They raised draft horses, particularly Belgiums, sheep and a few milk cows. Frequent attendees at the Bayfield Farmers market. Jim was a professor at Fort Lewis and Terry an RN. They touched many lives in Bayfield and LaPlata County, but most of all they valued the land and what it had to offer living a sustainable lifestyle. There were good people and will be missed by many." [Photo: Public Domain]