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Update: Officials: We May Never Know What Caused The KREX Fire Save Email Print
Posted: 1:12 PM Jan 23, 2008
Last Updated: 1:44 PM Jan 23, 2008
Reporter: KKCO

A | A | A

Fire investigators have finished their on-scene investigation of the fire that destroyed KREX-TV on Sunday.

According to Mike Page with the Grand Junction Fire Department, the cause of the fire will be classified as undetermined. Investigators will follow-up with evidence that was sent to a lab, as well as conduct more interviews to see if they can determine the exact cause, however, Page says they may never be able to determine what exactly started the fire. That is because of the large size of the fire and the large amount of destruction it caused.

Investigators did pinpoint the origin of the fire. They say it started in a hallway next to an office in the north and center part of the building. They say based on what they have found so far, they do believe the fire was started accidentally.

The Grand Junction Fire Department says it had to pull firefighters from the building shortly after they arrived on scene. They say because of the building's many remodels and the rapidly growing fire, it wasn't safe for firefighters. The 22 firefighters then pulled back, and focused on trying to extinguish the blaze from outside the building. Shortly after the crews left the building, two separate smoke explosions spread the fire to the entire building.

The building didn't have a fire sprinkler system, and apparently no working smoke detectors. The fire department says the four or five people who were in the building at the time of the fire were notified by bystanders. They were able to leave the television station without injury.

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Posted by: FB Location: Texas on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:59 PM
I worked at four TV stations in my career, and never had an experience like this. TV equipment and supplies are hard to come by on quick notice, and I hope KREX-TV's competitors, as well as cable systems and stations in Denver, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, etc., will step forward with assistance. Remember the Golden Rule.

Posted by: Sue Location: Loma on Jan 21, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Any info for those of us who have to use satellite as to when or how we can receive CBS and Fox stations?

Posted by: Heather Location: Grand Junction on Jan 21, 2008 at 01:54 PM
I live just a few blocks of KREX. I am glad no one got hurt. I hope they get back on the air soon.

Posted by: Samson Wong Location: CA on Jan 21, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I just heard about the loss of KREX from watching the news update on CNN via Yahoo! My thoughts goes out to the KREX employees. It is very sad to hear that they lost the complete news archive. That is something that certainly cannot be replaced.

Posted by: Dave Location: Rural Fruita on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Thats nice for people that have acess to Bresnan Cable, but what about the rest of the Grand Valley that don't?

Posted by: Terrie Location: NJ on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:22 AM
I am sorry for the loss of KREX.....the story ran here in our town, glad know one was harmed though. Sean P., I hope you and all of your colleagues are all okay. Terrible loss of archives as well. That was a lot of history I am sure

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Spokane, WA on Jan 21, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Sad loss. My thoughts are with the KREX employees who are heading into these uncertain times. I interviewed at KREX in 2000. KKCO is classy for offering help any way they can. The presumed loss of the KREX archives is another tragedy. KREX has a long history in the community. Terrible to see that lost. You can replace equipment and a building. Losing that broadcast history of Grand Junction one can't put into words. I wish KREX well in getting back on their feet. Stephanie Sandlin Spokane, WA

Posted by: Danielle Location: Whitewater on Jan 20, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Everyone is concerned about not being able to watch the NFL game. At least show some compassion about the people that work at KREX. They are community members and our thoughts should go out to them.

Posted by: Alicia Location: MA on Jan 20, 2008 at 11:22 AM
First station I saw with this news. However a little disturbed that the focus is on the football games and not those who may not have jobs for awhile.