RUNS & WORKERS

On Nov. 16, 2018, a fire and explosion rocked the Heather Gardens adult community in Aurora, Colorado, killing a resident. A firefighter and another person were injured. “Our hearts go out to the many residents who are impacted by this tragedy,'' Aurora Fire Chief Fernando Gray Sr. said.

Photo: Denver International Airport

On Nov. 17, 2018, United Airlines Flight 1941 from Tucson, Arizona, went off a taxiway after landing at Denver International Airport. No injuries reported.

On July 11, 2018, fire swept a recycling plant near Commerce City, Colorado. Two firefighters were injured. Crews were on the scene at Evraz Recycling at 5601 York Street in unincorporated Adams County for about 10 hours.

On June 23, 2018, fire damaged the main building at Marys Lake Lodge in Estes Park. About 250 people - including a wedding party - were safely evacuated. 

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South Metro Fire Rescue dispatched its airport foam unit to smother a vehicle fire on I-25 near the Denver Tech Center on May 31, 2017.

PUEBLO FLOOD - 1921

Photos: Private Collections 

June 3, 1921

``As the torrential rains fell, the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek quickly began to swell, reaching over 15 feet in some areas before they began to recede. Within two hours from the start of the storm, the entire wholesale district and a greater part of the business district of Pueblo were flooded with water 10 feet deep.

``The entire Arkansas Valley, from 30 miles west of Pueblo to the Colorado–Kansas state line, was severely impacted. Hundreds of people died, with some death toll estimates as high as 1,500. The flood destroyed almost all of the downtown Pueblo area and decimated the city.

``Once the floodwaters receded, the immense damage became all the more visible. The flood, which covered over 300 square miles, carried away over 600 homes and caused upwards of $25 million in damage at the time. By today’s standards, that number would likely be $300 million or more. Railroad passenger coaches and freight cars were swept away in every direction or smashed into kindling.

``A fire even broke out in a lumberyard and burning lumber was carried throughout the city’s streets by the flood. The floodwaters also carried away entire buildings and businesses. Many of the dead were likely carried far down river and never recovered.''

National Centers for Environmental Information

CITY SHOPS - 1919

Denver police officer Emerson L. McKinnon died May 20, 1919, of injuries sustained at a fire six days earlier.

McKinnon fell into an elevator shaft as he helped Denver firefighters advance a hose line at the City Shops.

Open building shafts were common in that era, posing a constant risk to firefighters groping in smoke and providing a pathway for flames.