A five-alarm fire, described as one of the largest in recent Denver history, has inflicted significant damage on an in-progress construction project.
The fire took place ten days ago at 5377 Leetsdale Drive, the site of a four-story, 234,000 square- foot structure that was being built to house nearly 300 apartments.
The project, named Harker Heights, belongs to the San Antonio-based Embrey development and real estate investment company.
The fire impacted an entire block, taking several days to be fully extinguished. In a press conference, Robert Murphy, chief of the Denver Fire Operations Division, remarked: “I don’t think I’ve ever been at a fire where we flowed so much water.”
Over 150 firefighters, representing several different agencies, were called in to help control the blaze. Experts with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, meanwhile, have been tasked with sifting for clues.
Harker Heights, slated for completion later this spring, has been advertised as a modern complex featuring a swimming pool, multiple courtyards, fitness space, and secured storage.
In a statement, Jeff Cowart, a spokesman for Embrey, said, “Our priority remains working collaboratively with Denver, fire investigators, and the community as the investigation continues to determine the cause and next steps.”
January 12, 2026
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
