Saturday was a tragic day in Rio Blanco County as two lives were lost in a fire. According to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, a 9-1-1 call came in at approximately 8:00 pm on February 22nd that there was a cabin engulfed in flames. “The cabin [is accessible] by snowmobile only off of Rio Blanco County Road 14,” shares the Sheriff’s Office. Initial reports were that two people escaped and sought help while two people were likely caught in the fire and unable to escape. On Monday, Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office provided an update sharing that the two individuals unable to escape the fire were 63-year-old Victoria Temples and a 15-year-old juvenile male. The Sheriff’s Office also shared on Monday that “the cabin had completely collapsed shortly after the fire was initially reported” and because it had collapsed, heavy machinery was needed to remove portions of the building before any investigation or recovery efforts could be made. On Wednesday evening, the Sheriff’s Office reported that crews were able to remove the remaining roof off the cabin that morning and the remains believed to be of Victoria Temples and the juvenile were identified. Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office will continue to secure the scene and work with other agencies until the investigation is complete. Evans Family Media extends our condolences to the family and friends mourning this tragedy at this time.
