Family searches for pets after destructive Aurora house fire

Flames rip through a residence in southwest Aurora on Jan. 7, 2012. (Photo: Nick Carter)

AURORA, Colo. — An Aurora family, who was the victim of a house fire Monday afternoon, is desperately seeking help in finding two dogs who may have escaped amid the chaos of the disaster.

“I really would like to get my dogs back,” said Geraldine Keehner, the daughter of the Aurora fire victims. The family, which escaped with only minor injuries, was able to rescue one dog but two other remain unaccounted for. The family is unable to release pictures of the animals because they believe all relevant photos were destroyed in the fire.

The fire, which remains under investigation, destroyed a home located at 16582 East Asbury Place in Aurora around one o’clock Monday. Fire officials reported two firefighters suffered second and third degree burns but were released shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.

Family members have not commented publically about what may have started the fire.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the smoke from several miles away. Neighbors told FOX31 Denver both homeowners, who were taken to the hospital, suffered only minor smoke inhalation related injuries.