Castle Rock family loses home after neighbor’s grill sparks fire

A neighbor’s grill, dry mulch and strong April winds turned a Castle Rock street into a fire scene that destroyed one home and damaged another, leaving Chris and Hannah James and their three children without a place to live near Lantern Trail and Hampstead Avenue, just south of Founders Park.

Fire officials said the incident began when a neighbor was grilling during dry conditions and high winds. Grease ignited nearby mulch, and the wind carried sparks into the James family’s home before the fire spread to another neighbor’s house. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Chief Norris Croom said the day was under a red flag warning and compared the wind-driven spread to conditions seen during the Marshall Fire.

Castle Rock police said three homes were evacuated as crews worked the fire in the Founders Village area. Firefighters extinguished the flames around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. No injuries were reported, but a cat was rescued from one of the homes before the 6-month-old animal later died.

The James family said they lost nearly everything, including Hannah James’ wedding gown and signed soccer mementos that cannot be replaced. They also said their insurance had lapsed after an oversight tied to a change in payment method, adding a financial shock to the loss of their home. The family was staying with relatives while searching for a new place to live, and friends, family and neighbors were bringing toys and clothes to help keep life normal for the children.

A GoFundMe campaign was organized to help the family as they begin the long process of recovery. The fire is a stark reminder that grill safety mistakes can have countywide consequences in tightly packed neighborhoods, especially when mulch, heat and wind line up on a red flag day. Firefighters have also warned residents that bans and restrictions can remain in place even when rain is forecast, and that Douglas County households should check local guidance before lighting a grill.