06/07 ~ Around 1840 Denver's Public Safety Agencies were stretched thin in the wake of a large explosion & fire.  The Xcel transformer station at 14th & Harrison (next door to Firehouse 15) exploded in flames sending a black colum of smoke into the sky which was visible for atleast 30 miles away.  The first of several DFD group assignments was dispatched there with 15's a pair & Chief 4 who set up defensive operations.  An immediate power outage effected 31,000 people in the area and caused intersection traffic signals to go dark.  Within moments of the explosion a second group assignment was dispatched to 9th & Clermont at Rose Hospital for a reported fire, then a 3rd assignment was sent to 26th & Elm Street for another reported fire.   As companies responded, a second black column was visible from the hospital.  Upon arrival at Rose crews found a generator malfunction / fire and a hospital full of patients without power.  With critical patients in the ICU and no electricity, dozens of ambulances and two choppers were ordered to move patients to other facilities.  The DFD assisted in carrying patients down the stairwells to waiting ambulances.  Back at 14th & Harrison / Jackson Street, multiple lines with foam were able to knock the fire within 20 minutes which continued so slowly burn and smolder through the night.  Photographers Eric Hurst, Rick Luebke & Rod Blakney all responded.  Above photo taken from Englewood at a wide angle.

Companies On 14th - D04, D02, E3, E15, E10, E8, T15, T8, RESCUE, HAMER, AIR/LIGHT

Commpanies At Rose - D05, E5, E21, E14, TR4, T19, TR22

Ambluances Providers At Rose - Denver Paramedics, Rural Metro, Pridemark, AMR, Action Care, Western, AirLife, Flight For Life