Photo courtesy of Loveland Fire – A fire on Halloween night destroyed the garage and vehicles in a Heritage Ridge home south of Berthoud.

The cause of an explosive house fire in a Berthoud neighborhood on Halloween night is being investigated by officials.

As families passed through the Heritage Ridge neighborhood south of Berthoud High School out trick or treating Monday night around 8 p.m. a fire erupted in the garage of a home causing severe damage. Neighbors reported hearing an explosion just before the house’s garage became engulfed in flames.

According to Berthoud Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Andrew Kuiken, the fire began in the home’s garage and quickly transitioned into the home. Multiple calls came in about the fire from concerned neighbors. Kuiken said firefighters aggressively worked to contain the flames preventing the entire house from being engulfed. The fire progressed around to the front of the home and into the main living space.

Berthoud Fire Protection District was joined by firefighters with Loveland Fire Rescue Authority who came with two engines, Thompson Valley EMS and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputies also responded to the incident.

Photo courtesy of Loveland Fire – A family dog was rescued by firefighters and tended to by EMS during a house fire in Berthoud on Halloween night.

Both BFPD and LFRA often respond to fires together as well as conduct training together often to meet the needs of both communities.

Speaking about the quick response to this fire Kuiken said, “We have a really good relationship with Loveland fire it was an integral part of our success on that fire.”

All three of the home’s occupants were able to exit the home unharmed but were treated for smoke inhalation. One of the family’s dogs exited the home with the family while another remained in the burning home. Once alerted to the fact firefighters went into the home and safely retrieved the beloved pet.

A fundraising page has been set up to help support the family who lost two vehicles to the fire and are currently staying in a hotel in Loveland. The page can be found at gofundme.com/f/78f8m-house-fire. Neighbors are also collecting gift cards that can be dropped off at 520 Katmai Court.

Due to the amount of debris and the nature of the fire as of Wednesday morning officials were still investigating what caused the fire.