A ferocious five-alarm fire broke out at a 283-unit apartment construction site in Denver, Colorado, on Friday evening around 6:45 p.m. local time, escalating into a major emergency that injured at least one firefighter and prompted evacuations across two city blocks. The Denver Fire Department deployed over 100 personnel to combat the blaze, which consumed a city-block-sized structure in its early to mid-construction phase. Heavy fire conditions challenged crews focused on containment and protecting nearby exposures.

Division Chief Robert Murphy described the scene as a "complete city block... on fire, and it's unopposed because there's no fire stops," highlighting the site's vulnerability due to absent drywall, insulation, and sprinkler systems. The building, wrapped in flammable wood and plastic materials, allowed flames to race unchecked from one end to the other. Firefighters battled intense heat and smoke visible for kilometers, using ladder trucks to douse the inferno with massive water volumes.

One firefighter sustained injuries during the operation and was hospitalized, though details on their condition remain undisclosed. It's unclear if construction workers were present at the time of ignition, but no reports confirmed civilian casualties. The incident underscores risks at unfinished sites lacking standard fire suppression infrastructure, amplifying the blaze's rapid spread and intensity.

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By midnight, the fire was largely contained but not fully extinguished, with crews stationed overnight to tackle persistent hot spots. A five-alarm designation—the highest in the US—signaled a catastrophic event requiring dozens of vehicles and extensive resources. Evacuation orders ensured public safety amid the chaos, as thick smoke and glowing flames lit the night sky.

The Denver Fire Department's social media updates emphasized ongoing heavy fire operations, prioritizing exposure protection for adjacent properties. Investigations into the cause are underway, with the event drawing widespread attention through dramatic footage of the raging inferno. This blaze serves as a stark reminder of construction site hazards in urban settings.

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