Denver Crews Tackle Major Fire at Leetsdale Drive Construction Site
On Friday night, a major fire engulfed a construction site on Leetsdale Drive in Denver. The blaze broke out at the Harker Heights building, visible from miles away due to thick smoke and bright red flames. Firefighters responded quickly, leading to immediate evacuations in the surrounding area.
Fire Response and Evacuations
At approximately 7:15 p.m., police closed Leetsdale Drive near Forest Street, close to the Glendale border. Denver Fire Department reported that crews were battling the fire under heavy conditions, focusing on containment and protecting nearby structures.
Scale of the Fire
- The incident escalated to a five-alarm fire.
- Over 100 firefighters were deployed to manage the situation.
- Numerous ladder trucks sprayed large amounts of water on the flames.
Division Chief Robert Murphy highlighted the challenges posed by the construction structure, lacking standard fire protection systems like drywall and sprinklers. This allowed the fire to spread rapidly, impacting a complete city block.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters worked intensively to control the blaze, and the city’s water pressure was increased to assist in their efforts. However, an injury was reported among the firefighters, who were taken to Denver Health for treatment.
Crews also faced challenges in conducting searches inside the building due to ongoing flames and hotspots. Investigators remain on the scene to determine the cause of the fire, though there is no current indication of foul play.
Community Impact
Approximately 1,000 Xcel Energy customers experienced power disruptions due to the firefighting efforts. Sam’s No. 3 Glendale restaurant lost power and was forced to close early as a result of the fire’s proximity.
The fire continues to be a significant incident for the local community, affecting numerous residents and businesses as firefighting operations continue into the night.
