Category Archives: Fires, Explosions, & Accidents

Cause of gas explosion at Heather Gardens still unknown (CO)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Following 2 months of intense investigations, Aurora Fire officials still don’t know what caused a gas explosion at Heather Gardens retirement community on November 16th. The blast and gas-fed fire killed 82-year old resident, Carol Ross, injured 2 of her next door neighbors, and destroyed several homes. Heather Gardens HOA can now begin the long process of filing insurance claims, the first step toward cleaning up the rubble Continue ReadingCause of gas explosion at Heather Gardens still unknown (CO)→

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You pay your condo HOA fees. Shouldn’t your home be safe?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Most residents of common interest developments and community associations expect their HOAs to faithfully provide important services they were promised when they moved into their home. But I’ve lost count of the number of homeowners and residents that reach out to me in frustration. They often tell me that their homeowners, condo, or co-op association is not keeping up with routine maintenance, and, even worse, their association is not Continue ReadingYou pay your condo HOA fees. Shouldn’t your home be safe?→

Time to improve fire safety for condo residents

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities With multiple households living in close proximity, fire safety is more important than ever. But for more than a decade, the real estate industry has delayed action to improve fire safety for condo residents. Here it is, just halfway through the month of December, with  a half dozen reports of condominium fires. (See links below) While the cause of several of those recent fires is not yet known, careless Continue ReadingTime to improve fire safety for condo residents→

Colorado homeowners seek answers after deadly gas explosion

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The gas leak and explosion hit Heather Gardens, a 55+ senior  community of 3,800 residents, on November 16, 2018. One resident died in a ball of fire that destroyed her home. Another resident and a fire fighter were injured. Several homes in the vicinity were damaged from the explosion, smoke, and fire. But 10 days after the blast, residents attending an HOA meeting still aren’t sure why the explosion happened, Continue ReadingColorado homeowners seek answers after deadly gas explosion→