Massive Denver fire engulfs entire city block: What caused the Apartment construction blaze?
Massive fire engulfs Denver apartment construction site. Image Source; AP
A massive fire tore through an apartment construction site in Denver, engulfing nearly an entire city block, forcing evacuations, and injuring one firefighter on Friday evening, according to the Denver Fire Department.
The blaze broke out around 6:45 p.m. near South Leetsdale Drive and South Forest Street, rapidly spreading through a three-story apartment complex under construction. Fire officials described the incident as one of the largest fires Denver has seen in years, escalating to the level of a five-alarm fire.
More than 100 firefighters from multiple agencies across the Denver metro area were deployed as flames and thick smoke filled the sky, visible from miles away.
Fire Spread Rapidly Across Entire City Block
Robert Murphy, operations division chief with the Denver Fire Department, said firefighters arrived to find the west end of the building fully engulfed, with flames moving swiftly eastward through the structure.
“This fire ran freely from one end of this building to the other,” Murphy said. “It’s a complete city block and it is on fire.”
Officials explained that the building’s unfinished state contributed to the intensity of the blaze. The structure had no drywall installed and no active sprinkler system, allowing flames to spread unchecked.
Murphy also noted that the fire created its own weather conditions.
“A fire of this size actually generates kind of its own mini wind,” he said, describing embers that blanketed nearby vehicles at the height of the blaze.
Evacuations Ordered as Fire Threatens Nearby Homes
Due to extreme heat and flying embers, the Denver Police Department ordered evacuations for residents living behind the burning complex. Neighbors reported firefighters knocking on doors and telling families to leave immediately.
Residents described frightening scenes as flames reportedly rose as high as 150 feet, towering over nearby trees.
“It’s really, really scary,” said resident Michael Weiss. “The whole street is barricaded off.”
An emergency shelter was opened at the Cook Park Recreation Center for evacuees and residents left without power. Authorities later said residents were expected to return home once conditions stabilized.
READ ALSO
What sparked the inferno that ravaged Amsterdam’s historic Vondelkerk Church?
One Firefighter Injured, No Civilian Injuries Confirmed
Initially, officials reported no injuries. However, the Denver Fire Department later confirmed that one firefighter was injured and transported to Denver Health. No additional details about the firefighter’s condition were released.
No civilian injuries have been reported, though firefighters had not yet been able to safely enter the building to confirm that no one was inside at the time of the fire. Officials said a chain-link fence surrounded the construction site, limiting access to construction crews only.
Road Closures and Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
Leetsdale Drive was closed in both directions, with officials warning closures could remain in place overnight due to deep-seated fires still burning within apartment units.
As of 9:30 p.m. Friday, Murphy said firefighters had knocked down approximately 70% of the fire, and the risk of flames spreading beyond the structure had significantly decreased.
Despite progress, the damage to the building was described as extensive.
“The damage is massive,” Murphy said. “There is a lot of fire and it is running completely through that building.”
Cause of the Denver Fire Under Investigation
Fire investigators remain at the scene, working to determine what caused the blaze. Officials have not yet released any information regarding a potential ignition source.
Murphy called the fire one of the largest Denver has experienced in a long time, underscoring the scale of the response and destruction.
FAQ: Denver Fire Explained
What caused the Denver fire?
The cause has not yet been determined. Fire investigators are actively examining the scene.
Where did the Denver fire happen?
The fire occurred at an apartment construction site near South Leetsdale Drive and South Forest Street.
How big was the Denver fire?
Officials described it as a five-alarm fire that consumed nearly an entire city block.
Was anyone injured in the Denver fire?
Yes. One firefighter was injured and taken to Denver Health. No civilian injuries have been confirmed.
Why did the fire spread so quickly?
The building was under construction and lacked drywall and sprinkler systems, allowing flames to spread rapidly.
Were residents evacuated?
Yes. Nearby residents were evacuated due to heat and fire exposure. An emergency shelter was opened.
Are roads still closed near the fire?
Leetsdale Drive remains closed as firefighters continue to deal with lingering hot spots.
Can residents return home?
Officials said residents should be able to return once conditions are deemed safe.