DENVER—Denver Water rearranged barricades Wednesday on a road along Dillon Reservoir to make it easier for emergency vehicles to pass through, but Summit County authorities say they need better access.
The water board’s decision to close Dillon Dam Road has touched off a dispute with local officials, who are threatening legal action. Officials say the barriers violate fire codes and pose a potential safety hazard.
The Lake Dillon Fire Protection District gave Denver Water until Wednesday afternoon to remove the barriers and issued an order to the board to comply with fire codes.
Dillon Reservoir in Summit County is the primary source of Denver’s water. The water board put up gates because of security concerns.
Denver Water spokeswoman Stacey Chesney said the road remains closed after a meeting with Summit County officials Wednesday. She said dispatchers will call guards to have them open the gates as emergency vehicles approach.
Fire officials also have a key to open the gates.
“Denver Water did make a concession and we appreciate that,” said Lake Dillon fire department spokesman Brandon Williams. “We are closer than we were before, but we still aren’t there yet.”
Fire Chief Dave Parmley said a fire truck can get through on the road.
“But someone still has to get out of the truck to unlock the gates. To respond to emergencies, we need unimpeded access,” Parmley said.
Lake Dillon Fire Marshal Steve Skulski said the fire-code violation was referred to the Summit County sheriff’s office, which is responsible for pursuing any criminal investigation.
