Leetsdale Drive in Denver was closed on Sunday following a devastating fire that destroyed an apartment complex under construction, marking one of the most significant fires in the area in decades. As reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation, all lanes of Leetsdale Drive between South Holly Street and South Forest Drive were shut down as emergency crews continued to address the aftermath.
Emergency calls began rolling in at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Friday regarding a fire at 5337 Leetsdale Drive, where the structure was intended to be the Harker Heights, a luxury apartment complex featuring 283 units. Unfortunately, by Saturday afternoon, the majority of the building had collapsed, creating a hazardous situation for firefighters.
Speaking on the incident, Denver Fire Department Chief Desmond Fulton noted that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Division Chief Robert Murphy highlighted the unprecedented scale of the fire, which he described as a five-alarm, possibly nearing six-alarm fire. This emphasizes the complexity and intensity of the situation, with Murphy indicating that in his 30 years of service, he had not witnessed a fire of this magnitude. While there have been other significant fires in the area, such as the Glendale fire and the Emerson Street fire, this incident required an unparalleled level of firefighting resources.
As the fire continued to smolder throughout the weekend, it hindered efforts by firefighters to investigate the cause or search for any potential victims. Authorities and investigators remain on-site, working to assess the full extent of the damage and gather more information about the incident.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and dangers associated with construction projects, drawing attention to the need for heightened safety measures in the industry. As the situation develops, the community looks on with hope for swift recovery and resolution.