South Metro School Fire

Photo courtesy of Matthew Assell

Around 14:35 on February 9th, 2021 South Metro Fire Rescue Engine 31 was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at the Cherry Creek High School, 9300 E. Union Ave. in Greenwood Village. The alarm was quickly upgraded to an unconfirmed fire after multiple calls stating there was an active fire in the bathroom. Engine 31 arrived and found nothing showing, declared an offensive strategy investigation. Engine 31 made entry and located an active fire in a bathroom in the east building. Due to the size of the building and other factors command requested a 2nd alarm, but it was quickly cancelled when crews got the fire quickly extinguished. The fire was stamped out within 20 minutes on scene and was extinguished with a water can. Once fire was reported under control, command reduced Engine 21 and Engine 44 were still enroute on the working fire assignment. Engine 21 and Engine 44 arrived on scene and level 1 staged awaiting an assignment. Engine 33 established a water supply for fire attack and investigation. Command released Engine 21 and Engine 44 with the fire under control and enough personnel on scene to conduct further operations. A primary search was completed and proved negative. Personnel from the SMFR Fire Marshal’s Office, Greenwood Village Police Department and Cherry Creek Schools Security determined that an 18-year-old student started the fire and charges are pending. Additional information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue

Units on Scene:

Initial Response: Engine 31

Reported Structure Fire Response: Battalion Chief 3, Safety 18, Tower 32, Engine 33 & Medic 31

Working Fire Response: Battalion Chief 5, Med 1, Engine 21, Tower 35, Engine 44 & Medic 32

Special Call: Bureau 13, Bureau 22

Aurora Fire Rescue: Engine 11 (Canceled)

Greenwood Village Police Department & Cherry Creek Schools Safety & Security

Photo courtesy of Matthew Assell