A two-alarm fire destroyed a tire store early this morning as flames shot out windows and 20 feet into the air “like a blow torch.”
Firefighters answered numerous calls just after midnight at Mile High Customz tires, 244 S. Federal Blvd., said Lt. Phil Champagne, Denver fire spokesman.
Firefighters entered the metal-encased building, which was like an oven because the metal roof prevented flames from breaking through, Champagne said.
Fueled by rubber tires, the fire proved too hot and dangerous, he said. Firefighters were ordered out of the building.
“Steam was just rolling off these guys,” Champagne said. “They had no real chance to get it out. It was smart to get them out of there.”
A guard dog was killed but no firefighters were injured, Champagne said.
Heavy black smoke billowed out of windows and bright red flames were shooting out, he said.
“You could see it from all over,” Champagne said.
Commanders, fearing the fire might ignite flammable liquids stored in the building, called in another crew.
“We were concerned about it causing explosions,” Champagne said.
Water from fire hoses created a layer of ice around the building making it difficult to work, he said. It took about 45 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Federal Boulevard was shut down for four hours while firefighters worked.
Champagne said that investigators will perform chemical tests on the remains in an attempt to determine whether the fire was set by arsonists.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or or .
