COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded Monday morning to a fire in trailers at the Goodwill Outlet and Retail Support Center on South Academy Boulevard.
According to CSFD, the fire was fully contained just after noon. No injuries were reported.
The original call for the fire came in at 5 A.M. The first responding unit was only two blocks away, and they were able to see the smoke from the blaze before arriving on scene.
The fire impacted 12 of the trailers on site. The trailers were filled with furniture and clothing. There were a total of 26 trailers located at the Goodwill location. "We're talking in the tens of thousands of pounds of merchandise... Lots of coats and mittens and sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. Those kind of items that families are looking for at affordable prices here to outfit their families for the winter time," said Bradd Hafer, the marketing communications manager with Goodwill of Colorado.
The Goodwill Outlet and Retail Support Center processes and sorts donations, and distributes them to their Colorado locations. There are over 40 stores throughout the state. The outlet also sells certain items in bulk.
The Goodwill Outlet and Retail Support Center is the only facility of it's kind in the Pikes Peak Region.
Hafer said Goodwill changes lives, by donating funds to community programs dedicated to making people more independent. "What was lost that is really priceless in our definition here, and that's lost opportunities for individuals that would otherwise benefit from the sale of these merchandise items," said Hafer.
While firefighters were putting out the fire, Goodwill contacted a semi-truck driver, who arrived shortly after and moved some of the trailers away from the fire.
Very sad and ironic that any kind of bad will can befall on an organization that is spreading good will throughout the community.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Investigation teams with CSFD are working with investigators from Colorado Springs Police to determine the cause and if there was any foul play involved.
The Goodwill Outlet and Retail Support Center was closed on Monday. Hafer said they hope to open on Tuesday, or early this week.
Last summer, a fire started at the same Goodwill location, burning pallets and items that were ready for the recycling operation. CSFD said the fire is still being investigated.
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