Two Durango firefighters were released Saturday and one remained hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after an explosion and fire Friday destroyed three businesses along historic Main Street.
The firefighter was in fair condition and was expected to remain hospitalized at Mercy Regional Medical Center for at least a couple more days, according to Dave Abercrombie, spokesman for the Durango Fire and Rescue District.
The fire was first reported about 1:40 p.m. Friday after witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke coming off the roof of the Seasons Rotisserie & Grill.
Nearly an hour after battling the blaze, firefighters who were standing on a rooftop of the Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery were injured after an explosion below them ripped away three storefronts, shooting debris and broken glass through the air.
Seven firefighters were initially treated Friday at Mercy Medical, and four were released and three remained hospitalized, according to hospital spokesman David Burzzese.
The fire and explosion shattered firefighters’ nerves and damaged some of their equipment.
“The explosion was pretty impressive,” Burzzese said. “We’re very fortunate a lot more weren’t seriously injured.”
The blaze was extinguished by 6:15 p.m. Friday as officials examined the three fire-gutted buildings and surrounding buildings for structural damage.
The cause of the fire and explosion remained unknown and is being investigated, officials said.
On Saturday, investigators closed off streets, and businesses adjacent to the destroyed buildings were closed but are expected to open Monday, authorities said.
The fire destroyed the Seasons, which was established in 1994. One of its unique features was a wood-burning grill and rotisserie centerpiece where patrons could watch chefs cook. Also destroyed was the Le Rendezvous and Half-Price Tees, officials said.
Most of the buildings along Main Street are two stories with restaurants and gift shops on the first floor and business offices on the second.
The fire was two blocks from the train station, where the famous Durango-to-Silverton train carries thousands of tourists every year.
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com
