Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Fire destroys Ridgway home
News
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com on July 25, 2024
Fire destroys Ridgway home

Law enforcement is investigating a fire that destroyed the home of prominent Ouray County arts supporter and actor Terry Kiser early Thursday morning.

The fire on Lynx Road, near Ridgway, was reported at 4:30 a.m. by a guest of Kiser, actor-cinematographer Jordan Bellamy, who was in the main house when the fire started.

Bellamy woke up and noticed the fire, according to information from the Sheriff’s Office.

“Him waking up saved his life,” said Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry, adding it was a “very quick-burning, hot fire.” Bellamy and his dog were able to escape the fire without injury.

Both departments were dispatched at 4:30 a.m. to 3 Lynx Road. Ridgway volunteer firefighter Tyler Ferguson, who is Kiser’s direct neighbor to the east, was the first to the scene about five minutes after the call.

 

This photo shows the fire burning on Lynx Road from a distance in the early morning hours Thursday. Photo courtesy Devin Bullis

 

After assessing the scene from the outside, Ferguson said he tried to enter through the east side of the home and made it to the bottom of the stairs, but the smoke was too heavy to continue.

He went back outside and found Bellamy and his dog, who confirmed that all occupants were out of the home and accounted for.

When Assistant Ouray Fire Chief Bumper Williams arrived, he said the houses were fully involved. The departments had a total of 18 to 20 firefighters at the scene, he said.

Firefighters had two key concerns: containing the burn between the two structures – a main home and guest home – where an AmeriGas propane tank was located, and ensuring the fire did not burn up the hillside.

Wildland fire containment was the overall goal, Ferguson and Williams said.

The propane tank began to blow off steam from the inside, meaning the liquid inside was heating and at risk of exploding.

The teams were able to cool the tank and stop the venting enough to send in a firefighter to try and turn off the gas line, but the knob had melted.

Firefighters then repositioned as Williams called the AmeriGas hotline for support. Due to a language barrier he called Pioneer Propane instead, and they were en route to the location within minutes.

Pioneer was able to go in and shut down the gas line so they didn’t have a fuel source feeding the fire, Williams said.

The fire was contained by 9 a.m. and the team was able to save a car and a trailer, he said.

The Sheriff’s Office investigation into the source of the fire is ongoing, Perry said. Investigator Gio Mendoza will handle the case.

In the meantime, firefighters are mopping up and controlling any hot spots.

“We’ll be babysitting this throughout the day,” Williams said.

Kiser, reached by phone Thursday morning, said he was traveling home from Minneapolis, where he had been working.

“I’m headed home to see the devastation,” he said.

Kiser is an accomplished character actor and a co-founder of the Ouray International Film Festival. He is most well-known for playing Bernie Lomax, the deceased character in the 1989 dark comedy film “Weekend at Bernie’s.”

Erin McIntyre contributed to this report.

 

Ridgway hotel to convert to housing
Main, News...
Ridgway hotel to convert to housing
MTN Lodge owner: Change needed to sustain operations; town leaders worried
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Ridgway’s largest hotel plans to convert to construction and hotel workforce housing for a new Four Seasons development in Mountain Village for at least the next four years. MTN Lodge signed an agreem...
this is a test
With federal funds in limbo, Ouray seeks options to reduce wildfire danger
News
With federal funds in limbo, Ouray seeks options to reduce wildfire danger
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Ouray city leaders are exploring other ways to address dead, fallen trees littering neighborhoods and hillsides now that it's unclear when a large-scale, federally funded wildfire mitigation project w...
this is a test
News
Interim police chief retained through Dec. 31
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer has extended the contract of Interim Police Chief Daric Harvey through the end of the year. Harvey was hired as the interim chief in March, replacing Sgt. Gar...
this is a test
City to hear public input on wayfinding sign solutions
News
City to hear public input on wayfinding sign solutions
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
The Ouray City Council will hold a work session Monday to discuss possible solutions to concerns raised by residents and business owners about new wayfinding signs installed along Main Street earlier ...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Article about Space to Create too negative
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: The origin and theory behind the Space To Create movement is tied to the common phenomenon where creative individuals, looking for affordable and functional space, move into semi-industri...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
When things go wrong, help is quick to arrive
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: While I was taking a walk in Fellin Park a couple of weeks ago, I was bitten by an off-leash, unvaccinated dog. Sometimes unfortunate things do happen. The dog's owner was responsive to t...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
Weiser for governor
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: My wife and I support Attorney General Phil Weiser for governor of Colorado. He recently came to Ouray County to speak to citizens about his visions if he's elected governor. The affair w...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanks, first responders
Thanks, first responders
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: My most sincere thanks to the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department, Ouray County EMS, the Ouray Police Department and all responders to the numerous calls you have been responding to this summ...
this is a test
Dam it: the story of Ridgway State Park
Columns, Opinion...
Dam it: the story of Ridgway State Park
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
September 10, 2025
Our neighborhood reservoir, Ridgway State Park, has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is a modern chapter in the long and rich history of the Uncompahgre Valley. It is a s...
this is a test
News
News briefs
Man cited for alleged theft, deed restrictions approved, Ouray enacts voluntary water restrictions, shuttle service in Ouray uncertain
By Erin 
September 10, 2025
Man cited for alleged shoplifting at hardware store A Grand Junction man has been issued a citation for theft, after he allegedly stole two Dewalt batteries from the Ridgway True Value Hardware Store....
this is a test
Log Hill resident accused in child sex assault case
News
Log Hill resident accused in child sex assault case
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Editor's note: This story includes details of alleged sexual assault. A Log Hill resident and alternative medicine practitioner has been accused of sexual assault on a child in a pattern of abuse, by ...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy