Key Takeaways
- A massive fire broke out in a building under construction in Denver on Friday night, prompting evacuations and a large-scale response from the Denver Fire Department.
- The fire, which was described as a "five-alarm fire," was brought under control after hours of effort from numerous firefighters, with assistance from other fire departments, including Aurora’s.
- The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway to determine the origin and circumstances of the blaze.
- Approximately 1,000 Xcel Energy customers in the area experienced power outages due to the firefight, and one firefighter was injured during the response.
- The fire department’s efforts were focused on containment and exposure protection, with a priority on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes or businesses.
Introduction to the Incident
A giant fire broke out on Friday night in a building under construction in Denver, prompting a swift response from the Denver Fire Department. The fire, which was reported to be a massive blaze, was located near the intersection of Leetsdale Drive and Forest Street, close to the city’s border with Glendale. The building, which was slated to be named Harker Heights, was still under construction, and the fire department’s efforts were focused on containing the blaze and protecting nearby exposures.
Response to the Fire
The Denver Fire Department responded quickly to the fire, with numerous firefighters and ladder trucks on the scene. The department’s division chief, Robert Murphy, described the fire as a "five-alarm fire," indicating the severity of the blaze. The fire department’s efforts were focused on containment and exposure protection, with a priority on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes or businesses. The department’s crews worked in challenging conditions, with heavy smoke and flames making it difficult to access the building. Denver Water increased water pressure in the area to assist the firefighters in their efforts to extinguish the blaze.
Challenges in Fighting the Fire
The fire presented several challenges for the responding firefighters, including the lack of fire protection systems in the building. According to Division Chief Murphy, the building’s construction status meant that there were no fire stops or sprinkler systems in place to contain the fire. This allowed the fire to spread quickly throughout the building, making it difficult for firefighters to bring under control. The fire department’s crews had to work diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes or businesses, and their efforts were ultimately successful in preventing a larger disaster.
Impact of the Fire
The fire had a significant impact on the surrounding area, with approximately 1,000 Xcel Energy customers experiencing power outages due to the firefight. The power outages affected local businesses, including Sam’s No. 3 Glendale, which was forced to close early due to the loss of power. The fire also prompted evacuations of nearby residents, with officials warning of the potential for the fire to spread to other buildings. Fortunately, the fire department’s efforts were successful in preventing the fire from spreading, and the evacuations were eventually lifted.
Investigation and Aftermath
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway to determine the origin and circumstances of the blaze. The Denver Fire Department’s investigators are working to determine whether the fire was accidental or intentional, and their findings will be crucial in understanding the events surrounding the fire. In the meantime, the fire department is continuing to work on extinguishing any remaining hotspots and ensuring that the building is safe. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for prompt and effective response to fires, particularly in areas with high population densities.
Conclusion
The fire in the building under construction in Denver was a significant incident that required a large-scale response from the Denver Fire Department. The department’s efforts were successful in bringing the fire under control, and their priorities on containment and exposure protection prevented a larger disaster. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the findings will be important in understanding the events surrounding the blaze. The incident highlights the importance of fire safety and the need for prompt and effective response to fires, particularly in areas with high population densities.