Key points:
- Why the Leetsdale Drive fire took 4 days to extinguish.
- The impact of the fire on the surrounding community.
- Why construction site fire watch is non-negotiable.
One of the many things we learned from last month’s 5-alarm fire on Leetsdale Drive is that construction fires impact the entire community. Surrounding residents and businesses had to evacuate for 3 to 4 days, and approximately 1,200 residents were without electricity, internet, and phone service. For many, it wasn’t a simple matter of reopening or moving back in. Although no other homes or businesses were destroyed, many have exterior fire damage and interior smoke damage. Street closures slowed traffic, limiting business for those who didn’t have to close. Not to mention the poor air quality and stress of a nearby fire.
Over 150 firefighters from 3 agencies were dispatched over 4 days. One firefighter was injured, but thankfully, there were no casualties. This includes ground crews and up to 16 aerial units at a time. It took approximately 18 million gallons of water to extinguish the apartment building, hot spots, and surrounding ignitions.
Why The Fire Took So Long to Extinguish?
As an active construction site, the building was too unstable for firefighters to enter. Fighting from the sky and ground was the only option, which is why it took so long to extinguish. In addition to the construction site, small fires spread down the block. In the face of a 5-alarm fire, crews successfully relocated teams, keeping the surrounding damage to melted fences and siding.
Read More:
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Property
- Pros and Cons of Dispatching Internal Fire Watch Personnel to Denver Apartments
- How Fire Watch Differs in Denver’s Historic Buildings
- EV Charging Station Fire Watch Protocols in Denver
- How to Set Your Fire Monitor Up for Success
Why Construction Fire Watch Is Essential?
When fire ignites, every second counts. Fire always threatens the surrounding area, but more so when a building isn’t sound. Even when work is done for the day, construction sites are unstable, often have hazardous/explosive materials, and may not have active fire alarms or fire sprinklers. During business hours, there is often welding, grinding, and other spark-inducing hot work. When temporary heaters are used in the winter, a special permit is required as industrial heaters pose an added fire risk factor.
Know Your Minimum Compliance Requirements
Beyond the factors above, patrolling and monitoring construction sites are required by the Denver fire code and OSHA laws. You may also have to provide patrol logs during an insurance claim or legal proceedings. After-hour obligations vary from daytime operations, and daytime operations vary depending on the work being conducted. Visible patrols also reduce theft and vandalism.
Who to Call for Compliant Fire Watch in Denver?
Whether for construction site fire watch or to meet or exceed your safety obligations, you need to know who to call. Even if some of your staff are trained and certified in fire monitoring, you may not be able to fill all shifts.
Add Scout Security to your emergency contact list for both prescheduled and emergency services. We dispatch both fire guards and security guards and can work solo or with your team.
