Firefighters Combat Major Blaze at Denver Construction Site Friday Night
On Friday night, Denver firefighters faced a challenging five-alarm blaze at a construction site in southeast Denver. Over 100 firefighters responded to the incident, which involved a three-story apartment complex near the intersection of Leetsdale Drive and South Forest Street, close to Glendale.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters struggled to contain the flames, battling the fire for more than two hours. According to Robert Murphy, the division chief of operations for Denver Fire, the blaze was unprecedented in recent memory. “It’s major,” he noted, emphasizing the significance of the event.
At around 10 p.m., the fire was classified as a five-alarm incident, indicating its severity and the large scale of resources deployed.
Injuries and Evacuations
- One firefighter was injured and transported to Denver Health.
- Nearby residents were advised to evacuate due to the intense heat radiating from the fire.
Impact on the Community
The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reported that the fire led to significant power outages in the area. In response, officials established a temporary overnight shelter at the Glendale Event Center to accommodate those displaced or affected by power loss.
Traffic Disruptions
To support the firefighting efforts, Leetsdale Drive was closed in both directions on Friday night. This disruption aimed to provide safe access for emergency crews and equipment.
The firefighting operations continue as officials work to extinguish the blaze and assess the damages. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with major construction fires and the challenges faced by emergency responders.
