Key Takeaways
- A five-alarm blaze broke out in a three-story apartment complex under construction in southeast Denver on Friday evening
- Over 100 firefighters battled the fire, with one firefighter transported to Denver Health with injuries
- The fire caused significant power outages, and a temporary overnight shelter was opened at the Glendale Event Center to help those displaced or without power
- The blaze was upgraded to the highest level of severity, five-alarm, shortly before 10 p.m.
- Nearby residents were advised to evacuate due to the heat radiating from the fire
Introduction to the Incident
A massive fire broke out in a three-story apartment complex under construction in southeast Denver on Friday evening, prompting a large-scale response from the Denver Fire Department. The blaze, which was upgraded to a five-alarm fire shortly before 10 p.m., tore through the building, causing significant damage and disruption to the surrounding area. According to Robert Murphy, division chief of operations for Denver Fire, the fire was a major incident, with over 100 firefighters battling to extinguish the flames.
The Firefighting Efforts
The Denver Fire Department responded quickly to the incident, with crews working tirelessly to bring the fire under control. Despite their best efforts, the blaze continued to burn fiercely, with firefighters still working to extinguish the flames more than two hours after the fire started. The department reported that one firefighter was transported to Denver Health with injuries, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by the emergency responders. The fire was so intense that it caused significant power outages in the area, with the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reporting that several households were affected.
Impact on the Community
The fire had a significant impact on the local community, with nearby residents advised to evacuate due to the heat radiating from the fire. The evacuation was a precautionary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of those living in close proximity to the blaze. The fire also caused significant disruptions to the surrounding area, with Leetsdale Drive closed in both directions to assist with firefighting efforts. The closure of the road highlighted the scale of the incident, with the fire department requiring a large area to operate safely and effectively.
Response and Relief Efforts
In response to the fire, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management opened a temporary overnight shelter at the Glendale Event Center to help those displaced or without power. The shelter provided a safe and warm place for people to stay, with support and assistance available to those affected by the fire. The relief efforts were an important part of the response to the incident, with the community coming together to support those in need. The fire department also worked closely with other emergency services, including the police and ambulance crews, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the incident.
Assessment of the Incident
The fire in the apartment complex under construction in southeast Denver was a significant incident, with the Denver Fire Department responding quickly and effectively to bring the blaze under control. The fire highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and response, with the fire department and other agencies working together to minimize the impact of the incident. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but an investigation will likely be conducted to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. In the meantime, the community will be looking to rebuild and recover from the incident, with support and assistance available to those affected.