A major fire broke out Friday evening in southeastern Denver at the Harker Heights apartment complex under construction near Leetsdale Drive and South Forest Street, engulfing the structure in flames that required a five‑alarm response and drew more than 100 firefighters to the scene. Thick smoke and towering flames were visible for miles, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents, road closures along Leetsdale Drive, and significant power outages in the surrounding area. One firefighter was injured and taken to Denver Health hospital, and officials say the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Live Updates Section
Last updated: January 3, 2026 — 09:00 MST
- 09:00 MST: Fire remains active in deep‑seated areas; crews expect to remain on scene overnight to extinguish hot spots.
- 08:00 MST: One firefighter reported injured and treated at Denver Health.
- 07:30 MST: More than 100 firefighters continue suppression efforts; Leetsdale Drive remains closed.
- 07:00 MST: Evacuations ordered for nearby residents due to intense heat and smoke.
- 06:30 MST: Temporary shelter opened at Glendale event center for displaced residents.
What Happened and What We Know Now
Around 7:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, a large fire ignited in a three‑story apartment building under construction in southeast Denver at Leetsdale and Forest, rapidly spreading through the unfinished structure. Denver Fire Department officials quickly escalated the incident to a five‑alarm fire, the largest in recent local memory, as crews worked for hours to contain and extinguish the blaze. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution due to extreme heat and smoke, power was cut to parts of the neighborhood, and traffic on Leetsdale Drive was shut down in both directions. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire and say investigations are ongoing.
Where and When the Fire Happened
- Location: Apartment complex under construction at Leetsdale Drive & South Forest Street, Denver, near the border with Glendale.
- Time: First reported around 7:00–7:15 p.m. MST on Friday, January 2, 2026.
- Structure: A multi‑unit building still under construction, with exposed wood framing and minimal fire containment systems, allowing the blaze to spread rapidly.
The construction site, identified by signage as Harker Heights, was largely unoccupied at the time of ignition — no workers were present when the fire began.
Firefighting Response — Scale and Tactics
Massive Multi‑Agency Effort
Firefighters from across the Denver metro area responded, with Denver Fire Department officials reporting more than 100 personnel on scene. The fire was initially declared a three‑alarm blaze, but was upgraded to a five‑alarm due to its size and intensity — a designation that pulls in fire crews and equipment from neighboring districts.
Denver Fire Division Chief Robert Murphy described the fire as consuming the entire structure, noting that unfinished framing and a lack of internal fire stops — common in buildings that haven’t yet had drywall or sprinklers installed — allowed the fire to run “freely from one end of the building to the other.”
Firefighters used ladder trucks and elevated water streams to aggressively attack the blaze, but crews also maintained a focus on containment and exposure protection to safeguard adjacent homes and businesses.
Evacuations, Road Closures, and Public Safety
Evacuation Orders
As intense heat radiated from the conflagration and thick smoke billowed across the neighborhood, authorities issued evacuation advisories for nearby residential buildings and businesses. Residents were urged to move to safe locations, with some families relocating temporarily to nearby shelters.
Road and Transit Disruptions
The Denver Police Department closed Leetsdale Drive in both directions at Forest Street to allow emergency vehicles full access and to protect motorists from smoke and fire hazards.
These closures had ripple effects on local traffic and public transit routes, as commuters and visitors were rerouted for safety and to avoid hindering fire response operations.
Power Outages and Neighborhood Impact
The sheer scale of the blaze knocked out service for a significant number of local utility customers, with power outages reported by Glendale’s police department and local residents. Businesses such as Sam’s No. 3 in nearby Glendale experienced early closures due to loss of electricity.
Utility crews were dispatched to manage electrical safety in the fire zone, and authorities warned that outages could linger into the night as firefighters continued their operations.
Injuries, Shelters, and Emergency Assistance
Reported Injuries
Thankfully, because the building was under construction and unoccupied, no civilian injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, one firefighter was injured while battling the blaze and was transported to Denver Health hospital for treatment
Emergency Shelters
In response to evacuation needs and to assist displaced residents, authorities set up temporary shelters at community centers, including at a nearby event center in Glendale. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinated these efforts, providing food, warmth, and information for those affected by the evacuations and power outages.
What Officials Are Saying About the Cause
At this stage, the official cause of the fire remains undetermined. Fire investigators are on site examining the structure, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses and first responders, but no definitive ignition source has been identified.
Division Chief Murphy noted that, in unfinished buildings, fire spreads differently than in occupied structures due to the absence of internal fire barriers and suppression systems like sprinklers. Investigators will look at electrical systems, construction equipment, and other potential sources as part of the inquiry.
Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities yet, including accidental causes related to construction activities, but they emphasize that it’s too early to draw conclusions.
Community Reaction and Witness Accounts
Local residents and passersby captured dramatic footage and photos of the blaze, noting how visible the fire and smoke column were from blocks away — a rare sight in Denver’s skyline. Many expressed relief that no civilians were reported hurt but acknowledged the emotional impact of watching a massive structure fire in their neighborhood.
One nearby resident told a local news crew that the fire was “like watching a city block burn” and praised firefighters’ rapid response, even as neighbors evacuated for safety.
Understanding a Five‑Alarm Fire
In firefighting terminology, a five‑alarm fire represents a blaze of extraordinary size and complexity — one that requires the maximum coordinated response from multiple fire companies and support units. In Denver, five alarms mobilize additional engine and ladder companies, rescue teams, and command officers from adjacent fire districts.
The designation reflects both the intensity of the flames and the resources needed to battle them, especially when the fire has structural advantages (like open wood framing) and poses a threat to surrounding properties.
Conclusion — A Night of Intense Flames and Community Response
What unfolded Saturday night in the Harker Heights apartment complex under construction near Leetsdale and Forest was one of Denver’s most intense urban fires in recent memory — a show of both destructive power and professional firefighting prowess. More than 100 firefighters from multiple agencies fought a blaze that consumed the unfinished structure, led to widespread evacuations, and caused significant utility disruptions, all while keeping injuries to a minimum.
As firefighters continue to monitor hot spots and investigators comb through the scene to uncover the fire’s cause, the community remains grateful for the emergency response and cautious about what reconstruction and safety protocols might follow. For residents and commuters alike, the main message from authorities is clear:
stay informed, stay clear of the cordoned fire zone, and await official all‑clear notices before returning to the area.
