Aurora Fire Rescue is continuing to investigate the origin and cause of the five-alarm fire that occurred on the multifamily residential structure near the intersection of E. Colfax Avenue and Peoria Street in Aurora.
The December 16, 2023, fire is the largest in AFR’s history in terms of property loss, amount of fire apparatus used and duration until it was extinguished. It is estimated that the value of property loss exceeds $150 million. A total of 42 units from across the Denver metro area initially responded to the fire, and over 50 apparatus in total were used to fully extinguish the fire over a five-day period.
AFR is simultaneously investigating the site while also working with a wrecking company to carefully demolish portions of the building. This phased approach enables investigators to meticulously conduct their investigation while also clearing debris and tearing down the structure as safely as possible for the surrounding businesses and community, given the height of the building and collapse potential.
At this time, both directions of Colfax Avenue between Moline and Peoria are fully closed, and both directions of Peoria between 14th and 17th Avenues are closed to protect the community’s safety during the demolition process. As portions of the structure are demolished, roadways will be reopened incrementally.
Crews will continue to work into the coming weekend to complete this process as quickly as possible to minimize disruption for the community and local businesses. It is anticipated that roadways will begin to reopen within the next week, coordinating with the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Public Works to monitor and manage traffic. Until the roadways fully reopen, alternative routes are listed on the city's Road Construction Updates webpage.
Currently, AFR does not believe a connection exists between this fire and the three-alarm fire that occurred on December 14, 2023, near the 7300 block of S. Addison Court, which is being investigated as a potential criminal act. No updates as to the status of either investigation are available at this time.