Colorado Springs Structure Fire

Photos Courtesy of the Colorado Springs Fire Department

At approximately 09:45 on December 4th, 2023 the Colorado Springs Public Safety Communications Center dispatched the Colorado Springs Fire Department to the 10 block of E. Bijou St. for a possible structure fire. Dispatch advised multiple callers reporting smoke coming from the building and doors were hot to the touch. Engine 1 arrived on the scene reported nothing showing and would investigate; Battalion then assumed command. Once Engine 1 gained access to the second floor of the structure, they reported smoke and declared the incident a working fire. Truck 1 Irons team made access on the second floor Bravo / Charlie corner searching for active fire, and it appeared to be coming from the building’s HVAC unit in the alley. Engine 2 pulled around and stretched a line down the alley. At 10:02, Battalion 4 advised dispatch to upgrade to a 2nd alarm. Engine 1 was able to locate the fire on the first floor in the kitchen and began fire attack. Truck 9 arrived and performed a primary search of the structure; and Truck 8 was assigned Division 2 supervisor. Truck 9 called the primary search all clear at 10:22. At 10:40, a 3rd alarm was added to the incident and was advised Level 2 staging was at E. Platte Ave. and N. Tejon St. Command declared the fire under control at 11:09, and a secondary search cleared at 11:10. Fire companies began to be released and the scene was handed over the scene to investigators and the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Initial Assignment: Engine 1, Engine 2, Truck 1, Truck 9 & Battalion 1

Working Fire Assignment: Heavy Rescue 17, Hazmat 14, Squad 21, Battalion 2, Special Ops 52, 73, 74, X-Ray 193 (Fire Investigator), X-Ray 194, X-Ray 198 & PIO 1

2nd Alarm Assignment: Engine 3, Engine 6, Engine 8, Truck 8 & Air 15

3rd Alarm Assignment: Engine 13, Engine 23, Truck 10, Mobile Com 1 & Battalion 4

AMR – Colorado Springs: Medic 22

Fire Watch: Brush 3, Brush 10, Brush 12. Brush 16, Brush 17, Brush 19 & Brush 22

Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Community Services & Colorado Springs Utilities.