Firefighters rush to fuel truck fire, possible hazmat situation
By Jennifer McRae
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LITTLETON, Colorado (KCNC) — Firefighters in the Denver metro area rushed to a fuel truck fire and possible hazmat situation on Santa Fe near Belleview early Monday morning. According to South Metro Fire Rescue, crews were alerted to the situation about 5:23 a.m.
Investigators said the fuel truck was on fire near the 4800 block of Santa Fe, and all directions were shut down to traffic at that time. Drivers were urged to avoid the area during the closure to allow for emergency vehicles to gain access. All northbound lanes reopened just after 11 a.m. and southbound lanes remained closed at Oxford Avenue.
Firefighters were letting the fuel burn off.
“Really, the biggest thing as to why we’re letting that fuel burn off instead of applying plain water. When we apply water to hazardous materials like this, it creates runoff, which creates hazardous waste, and in this case, the Platte River is right here where this incident is occurring, so we’re trying to prevent any of that fuel from getting into the river,” said Matthew Assell, the South Metro Fire Rescue public information officer.
Investigators said the call was upgraded to a commercial structure fire due to the proximity of nearby buildings. There was also an extension into the grass area, but crews quickly extinguished that fire.
South Metro Fire said there were no injuries reported. There were several vehicles impacted but those vehicles did not catch on fire.
The fire was extinguished just after 11 a.m. Crews continued cleanup in the area.
Other agencies that responded included the Littleton Police Department and the Englewood Police Department.
What caused the fire is being investigated.
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