Denver Fire Department

Early this morning around 2:39 AM, Denver Fire crews rushed to a two-story house under construction that was fully engulfed in flames.
Engine 12 and Truck 12 arrived first on scene, with Chief 6 stepping in to take command.
Because the fire was so intense, Chief 6 called for a defensive strategy to keep everyone safe. Crews quickly went to work protecting the neighboring homes and a vehicle parked nearby that were threatened by the spreading flames. The cause is still under investigation.
Great job by our Denver firefighters containing this one and preventing it from spreading further!

Please join us in congratulating Captain Derek Warlum on an outstanding 33 years of service with the Denver Fire Department!
We’re celebrating his retirement with cake and ice cream at Station 39 on Tuesday, July 7th from 1300–1600.
Thank you, Captain Warlum, for your leadership, dedication, and friendship. You will be missed!
All DFD members, friends, and family are welcome.

Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. At the end of May 2026, Scott wrapped up an outstanding career spanning decades in the fire service and more than 25 years with the City and County of Denver.
Scott’s Journey to DFD:
Scott started with the Wheat Ridge Fire Department (WRFD), where he spent 10 years and rose to the rank of Captain. While there, he also worked for Casco Industries selling fire hose, bunker gear, and equipment to DFD — which led to a key friendship with longtime DFD employee John Appelhanz.
John encouraged Scott to join the City and County of Denver. He was hired in October 2000 and first worked in the Electrical Shop at DIA, maintaining runway lighting and jet bridge systems on swing and graveyard shifts.
After six years at DIA, John once again encouraged a transfer — this time to the DFD Warehouse. Selected from ~300 applicants, Scott served there until his retirement at the end of May 2026.
He brought a wealth of firefighting, leadership, sales, and technical expertise that made a real impact on the department.
Please join us in congratulating Scott on a well-earned retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service! We wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter.

Denver Fire crews responded to a fire at a vacant apartment building near South Federal Boulevard and West Custer Place earlier today.
Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from two units and quickly initiated an aggressive attack to contain the fire and prevent further extension throughout the building. The fire was brought under control and crews remained on scene conducting overhaul operations.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Denver Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit.

On June 7, Denver Fire responded to a fire involving multiple outbuildings in a residential backyard in southwest Denver near W 3rd Ave and Perry St.
Crews quickly brought the fire under control with no injuries reported. Fire investigators are on scene determining the cause.
Thank you to all members who responded and kept this contained in a tight residential area.

Congratulations to Denver Firefighters Billy Rush and Jordan LeVan on their engineer badge presentations.
Billy Rush, currently assigned to Engine 18, will be transferring to Engine 3, and Jordan LeVan, currently assigned to Engine 9, will be transferring to Engine 24.
Earning the engineer badge is a significant milestone and reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the citizens of Denver. Their transfer and promotion date is June 7.
Please join us in congratulating Billy and Jordan as they begin this next chapter of their careers with Denver Fire.

House Fire in Northwest Denver
Denver Fire crews responded to a residential structure fire in the northwest Denver area this afternoon. Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from the upper portion of the home and quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack and search operations.
Crews worked through challenging weather conditions to bring the fire under control and prevent extension to nearby structures. No firefighter injuries have been reported.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating 75 years of service at Station 23.
It was an incredible day spent reconnecting with current and retired members, families, friends, and community members who have helped shape the rich history of Station 23. Seeing generations of firefighters and neighbors come together to share stories, memories, and laughter was a powerful reminder of what makes this station so special.
Since opening its doors in 1951, Station 23 has proudly served the Denver community. The legacy built by those who came before us continues today through the dedication and commitment of the men and women who answer the call.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared memories, helped organize the event, and supported the celebration. We are honored to be part of this community and grateful for the support we receive every day.
Here’s to 75 years of service, tradition, and community—and to the future generations who will continue that legacy.

On May 23, Denver Fire crews responded to a vehicle that crashed into a residence. Upon arrival, firefighters found a vehicle that had struck and entered the garage, causing significant structural damage to the home.
Crews worked to ensure the scene was safe, assisted with vehicle stabilization, and coordinated with building officials to evaluate the structural integrity of the residence. Specialized resources were requested to help shore and stabilize the damaged structure.
The driver was evaluated by EMS. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of a coordinated response between firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement, and building safety partners to protect both occupants and responders.