Mail carriers hailed as heroes after alerting families to house fire

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (KDVR) — Two United States Postal Service mail carriers are being hailed as heroes after warning two families that their homes were on fire.

The homes burned on Thursday on Woodrose Lane in Highlands Ranch . Both families and their pets escaped without harm.

Kyle Warden and Dave Muscianisi told FOX31 letter carrier Roy Zuniga noticed smoke, then knocked loudly on both doors until the families were alerted to the danger.

“The entire side of the house was ignited, so I believe we got out within about 90 seconds of not being able to,” said Kyle. His family had been sleeping when the fire between the homes started.

“My whole body went into shock,” said Melanie Warden.

Zuniga also removed a car filled with gasoline from a burning garage. He told FOX31 his top priority was to help the families.

“It is instinct: We’re supposed to help people, help your fellow neighbor and that’s really all I did, that’s the way I look at it,” he said.

“He’s an angel, he’s a godsend; he saved us,” said Dave Muscianisi.

The Muscianisi family had a chance to thank Zuniga in front of their charred home, extending handshakes and hugs.

“I’m just glad you guys got out,” Zuniga told the family.

The Warden family profusely thanked the mail carrier.

“He just did what was right and he doesn’t want recognition but he’s going to get it,” said Kyle.

USPS trainee Rebecca Koch who was traveling with Zuniga when the fire broke out quickly called 911 to help. She said she learned a valuable lesson about the important role of mail carriers on her fourth day on the job.

“We see things that others may not see like the situation that we came across so it’s just being there being vigilant and helping out,” she said.

Zuniga and Koch told FOX31 they do not see themselves as heroes, but hope to inspire others to help their neighbors.

The Warden family, which is expecting a second child, lost their belongings. A GoFundMe
is set up to help them recover . South Metro Fire Rescue told FOX31 the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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