South Metro House Fire

On January 13th, 2026 at 11:29 South Metro Fire Rescue responded to a reported residential structure fire at Cactus Bluff Ave. & S. Ironwood St. in Highlands Ranch. Safety 1 arrived to a medium size two-story single-family residential with a working fire with heavy fire from the Charlie side. Engine 16 arrived and pulled a 1 3/4 for fire attack with Medic 18 and secured their own water supply. Tower 18 assigned with the primary search and Battalion 1 arrived and assumed command in the offensive strategy on the Alpha-Bravo corner. Engine 40 pulled a 2nd line off Engine 16 for fire attack. The fire was put under control and crews started overhaul and the investigation. No residents were home at the time of the fire. During a search of the home firefighters discovered an unresponsive family dog. Despite life-saving efforts by fire medics, the dog could not be revived. The SMFR Fire Marshal’s office determined the cause of the fire to be accidental in nature. Three residents were displaced because of the fire. Additional information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue

Units on Scene:

Initial Response:

South Metro: Battalion 2, Safety 1, Engine 16, Medic 18 & Engine 40

Confirmed Structure Fire Response:

South Metro: Battalion 1, Med 1, Engine 20, Medic 16, Engine 17 & Ladder 12 (RIT)

West Metro Fire Rescue: District 3 (Cancelled)

Added:

South Metro: District 1, Deputy Chief 2, PIO 14, Bureau 22, Bureau 23

South Metro Fire Communications: IDT 2 & IDT 31

Arapahoe Rescue Patrol: Rehab 12

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office & Xcel Energy