South Metro 2nd Alarm Fire

On December 21st, 2019 at 01:07 South Metro Fire Rescue Engine 19, Engine 13 and Battalion 1 were dispatched to a smoke investigation at 8457 S. Reed St. in unincorporated Jefferson County. While en-route, numerous 911 callers began reporting a fire with people trapped and jumping. The incident was quickly upgraded to a 2nd Alarm. Upon arrival, Battalion 1 assumed command in the offensive strategy on the Delta side of a large 3-story, 6-unit, garden style building with fire showing from the Alpha side. Flames were engulfing vehicles in the parking lot, spreading through all floors and venting above the roof. Engine 19 positioned on the Alpha side and ran ground ladders to the Charlie side were trapped occupants were desperately trying to escape. Engine 16 laid in from across the street, supplied Engine 19 and deployed a 2.5” line for transitional attack. Once the water supply was established Engine 19’s deck gun was also used to darken the down the main body of fire. West Metro District Chief 3 was assigned to Charlie Division were multiple companies conducted VEIS on all floors. West Metro Engine 12 laid a second water supply from W. Payne Ave. and S. Reed St. to Tower 18, in preparation for defensive operations and exposure protection, if needed. Within minutes of arriving the only stairwell, which was engulfed on arrival, collapsed. Safety 18 and SAM 2 were assigned as incident safety officers and South Metro District Chief 1 assisted command. All searches proved negative and miraculously all of the residents safely escaped, although 7 were evaluated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. One South Metro Firefighter was among the injured and transported to the hospital. Crews advanced a 1.75” line into units from the Charlie side to extinguish the interior fire and were able to rescue at least one cat. The SMFR Fire Marshal’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms are conducting the investigation. The American Red Cross and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocates arrived on scene to support displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The SMFR Fire Marshal’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms are conducting the investigation. One person has been arrested on multiple charges including arson and attempted murder. Additional information was provided by South Metro Fire Rescue

Units on Scene:

South Metro: District Chief 1, Battalion Chief 1, Med 1, Safety 18, Engine 19, Engine 13, Medic 13, Engine 16, Medic 16, Tower 18, Medic 18, Rescue 34, Engine 15, Medic 15, Engine 17, PIO10, PIO11, Bureau 10, Bureau 22 & Bureau 34

MetCom: IDT2

West Metro Fire Rescue: District 3, SAM 2, Truck 14, Engine 13, Medic 16 & Engine 12

Action Care Ambulance: Medic 115

Northglenn Ambulance/ South Adams County Paramedics: Medic 212

Stand-By:

South Metro: Engine 11, Engine 40, Ladder 12, Medic 12 & Tower 32

West Metro: Medic 12 & Medic 15

Jefferson County Sheriff