Frank & Kris Riehl House Fire Fund
Donation protected
On the morning of Saturday, January 30th, Frank and Kris lost their home, vehicles, hot air balloon business, personal belongings, photos, and memories from a lifetime of adventures to a tragic fire. This page has been set up by their family members to help relieve the financial burden they face as they recover from this horrific experience.
Frank had just finished checking the weather in hopes it would be a good day to fly, when he heard an explosion in his driveway. After yelling to Kris and warning her to get out of the house, he ran to the driveway to find the truck and van already engulfed in flames. Knowing he had a hot air balloon basket with tanks full of liquid propane on his van, Frank suffered minor burns as he attempted to put the van in nuetral and let it coast down the driveway in the hopes it would save their home. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain as the fire had already reached liquid propane tanks and fueled the fire past the point of being extinguished. Frank was taken by ambulance to Swedish Medical Center while firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. Tanks of liquid propane used for hot air ballooning fueled the raging fire, and it quickly spread into the home. Belongings throughout the home were either destroyed by fire or damaged by smoke and water from the fire hoses. A video and news story of the fire can be viewed by clicking here.
Frank and Kris are both still in shock and disbelief that this has happened to them. They are staying with family in the Denver area while Frank continues to heal from his burn injuries and they try to cope and move forward. They have immediate needs to purchase clothing, toiletries and other necessities while they take steps to re-build their lives. While insurance will cover many expenses, there are significant deductibles to be paid and other items that will not be covered. Frank and Kris lost their entire hot air balloon business in the fire. Hot air ballooning was their passion and part of their livelihood, and insurance will not replace a majority of the lost items.
We are asking you....family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and anyone else who would like to help, please consider making a donation to help ease the financial burden of this tragic event. People that know Frank and Kris are aware of how they would always welcome anyone with open arms and pitch in to help others. Now is our time to return the favor and show them how much we care. They will surely have other needs as time goes by...perhaps a home cooked meal, a night out to laugh and forget about the nightmare they are living in, or help when it comes time to build a new home. If you aren't able to make a financial donation, we'd love to have your support for Frank and Kris as other needs arise. Thank you for your support...it means the world.
Frank had just finished checking the weather in hopes it would be a good day to fly, when he heard an explosion in his driveway. After yelling to Kris and warning her to get out of the house, he ran to the driveway to find the truck and van already engulfed in flames. Knowing he had a hot air balloon basket with tanks full of liquid propane on his van, Frank suffered minor burns as he attempted to put the van in nuetral and let it coast down the driveway in the hopes it would save their home. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain as the fire had already reached liquid propane tanks and fueled the fire past the point of being extinguished. Frank was taken by ambulance to Swedish Medical Center while firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. Tanks of liquid propane used for hot air ballooning fueled the raging fire, and it quickly spread into the home. Belongings throughout the home were either destroyed by fire or damaged by smoke and water from the fire hoses. A video and news story of the fire can be viewed by clicking here.
Frank and Kris are both still in shock and disbelief that this has happened to them. They are staying with family in the Denver area while Frank continues to heal from his burn injuries and they try to cope and move forward. They have immediate needs to purchase clothing, toiletries and other necessities while they take steps to re-build their lives. While insurance will cover many expenses, there are significant deductibles to be paid and other items that will not be covered. Frank and Kris lost their entire hot air balloon business in the fire. Hot air ballooning was their passion and part of their livelihood, and insurance will not replace a majority of the lost items.
We are asking you....family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and anyone else who would like to help, please consider making a donation to help ease the financial burden of this tragic event. People that know Frank and Kris are aware of how they would always welcome anyone with open arms and pitch in to help others. Now is our time to return the favor and show them how much we care. They will surely have other needs as time goes by...perhaps a home cooked meal, a night out to laugh and forget about the nightmare they are living in, or help when it comes time to build a new home. If you aren't able to make a financial donation, we'd love to have your support for Frank and Kris as other needs arise. Thank you for your support...it means the world.
Organizer and beneficiary
James Riehl
Organizer
Denver, CO
Frank Riehl
Beneficiary
