05/28 ~ At 0437 Denver Fire Dispatch alerted units to a reported apartment fire in the 4200 block of East Mexico Avenue.  While enroute, companies from miles away reported a black column in the air.  First due Engine 5 arrived to find a 13 story occupied multiple dwelling with flames showing from 3 windows on the A/B corner of Floor 10.  Engine 5 made the FDC connection while Engine 24 laid dual lines from 5's rig to the plug.  Engine 16 secured a secondary water supply while Trucks 16 & 19 laddered the 10th floor.  Chief 4 updated the size up as one fully involved apartment auto exposing the 11th floor and transmitted a 2nd Alarm.  As firefighters ascended the two stairwells they encountered 100-200 residents fleeing the building, some had to be assisted down.  Companies quickly made the fire floor and started their primary searches and fire attack.  One party was trapped on her 10th balcony and assisted down by firefighters when conditions improved.  The first arriving companies did an excellent job quickly knocking down the fire which was held to only two apartments, one of which had only minor fire damage.  All searches proved negative and floors 7 through 13 had to be ventilated.  One patient was transported by Denver Paramedics for smoke inhalation, the fire remains under investigation.  A full gallery of photos can be found here.   Eric Hurst Photos

1st Alarm - D03, D04, E5, E16, E19, T16, T19, RESCUE & HAMER

2nd Alarm - D07, E3, E21, E22, TR22 & AIR/LIGHT

Special Alarm - E15 & T8