The Aspen Fire Department, along with regional emergency partners, shared multiple responses to incidents on Tuesday morning that included an explosion and two separate structure fires.
The explosion occurred near Mile Marker 31 on Colorado Highway 82, according to a press release, and the two separate structure fires occurred in Aspen and Woody Creek. Aspen Fire also ran on an additional five calls during this time, utilizing "substantial support" from volunteer members for all calls.
"This morning's incidents highlight the professionalism and coordination among our valley emergency services," said CEO/Fire Chief Jake Andersen in the release. "Our volunteers crushed it! Also, the support of our partner agencies who worked together to protect our community cannot be overstated. I'm so impressed with our dispatchers. How they can even handle that call volume is incredible to me. We are so proud of our partners. Much thanks to them and our folks at AFD. Together, our people provide outstanding service."
Emergency dispatchers received reports of an explosion near Mile Marker 31 on Highway 82 at approximately 8:11 a.m., Tuesday, according to the press release. While Aspen Fire units were dispatched to investigate the source of the explosion, additional resources needed to be redirected to structure fires occurring within city limits.
The press release confirms the explosion appeared to be related to utility equipment. No additional hazards were identified, and the incident was turned over to utilities.
A structure fire was reported on Shady Lane in Aspen at 8:22 a.m., Tuesday. An Aspen Fire volunteer firefighter who was in the area "arrived on scene within minutes, assumed command, and reported visible smoke inside the building."
Units from Aspen Fire, Aspen Ambulance, and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue responded, with support from the Aspen Police Department and the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office, the press release states. Firefighters were able to successfully isolate the source of the smoke and ventilate the structure.
"When we arrived, we found smoke coming from the elevator shaft," Incident Commander Ryan Warren said in the release. "Working with the property manager, we resolved the source of the problem and then cleared the smoke from the home. It's important to us to minimize any damage, even something as simple as the lingering smell of smoke."
As operations occurred at Shady Lane, another structure fire was reported at 8:34 a.m., Tuesday on Stevens Street in Woody Creek. According to the press release, the first Aspen Fire unit arrived within three minutes and eight seconds. A Roaring Fork Fire Rescue engine that had been diverted during response to the Shady Lane incident was the first engine on scene, with an Aspen Fire engine "immediately behind them."
Crews found an active fire producing heavy smoke in one unit of a duplex residence, the press release confirms. Firefighters contained and extinguished what the press release calls a "fully developed blaze," preventing it from spreading to the adjoining unit.
"Two households were displaced as a result," the release reads. "The affected unit sustained significant fire damage, while the adjacent unit suffered smoke damage."
Aspen Fire, Aspen Ambulance, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, Holy Cross Electric, Black Hills Energy, and the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office all responded to the call. McLain Flats Road and Stevens Street were shut down for the duration of the incident in order for emergency vehicles to park and operate.
"We're grateful for the rapid response of our volunteer and career firefighters to these major incidents and for providing the depth to handle all those additional calls as well," Battalion Chief Arnold Nimmo, who was the shift commander during these incidents, said in a prepared statement.
This incident was the largest incident on Tuesday, with 27 personnel and 16 vehicles and apparatus.
The cause of each fire remains under investigation.
After units cleared from the fire on Stevens Street, another structure fire was reported in Snowmass Village.
Aspen Fire responded immediately as part of an auto-aid agreement with Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, the press release states, but ultimately turned around as units already on the scene reported no hazard.
There were five additional calls within the Aspen Fire Protection District, ranging from alarms to citizen assists, during the major calls on Tuesday morning.
"Aspen Fire extends its appreciation to all responding agencies for their cooperation and to the community for their patience and support during these simultaneous incidents," the press release states.