A structure fire near 22nd and Altura in Aurora sent thick, black smoke into the air on Wednesday, with the plume visible across parts of the city as multiple fire units rushed in. Neighbors shared videos and posts about heavy smoke drifting across nearby streets while crews tried to get things under control. The department’s initial update did not include information on injuries or what sparked the blaze.
What Aurora Fire Rescue Posted
According to Aurora Fire Rescue, crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 22nd and Altura area on Wednesday. The post named the general intersection but did not provide an update on evacuations or the fire’s cause.
Smoke Reported Blocks Away
A reply in Aurora Fire Rescue's X thread described "tons of black smoke near Colfax and Chambers," suggesting the plume was visible several blocks from the scene. Local drivers reported that traffic slowed in nearby corridors while firefighters worked.
How to Stay Safe
If you are in the area and there is an immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency questions or to report a past crime or concern, Aurora’s dispatch line is 303-627-3100, per Aurora911. Residents are advised to steer clear of the scene and follow instructions from first responders.
Why This Matters
Aurora Fire Rescue is the city’s all-hazards department and lists its stations, response capabilities, performance goals, and resident resources on the city website, according to Aurora Fire Rescue. The department has handled major incidents recently, including a five-alarm construction fire near East Colfax and Peoria in December 2023 that sent up a massive plume of black smoke over the city, as reported by the Denver Gazette.
This is a developing story, and we will update with official information from Aurora Fire Rescue and city officials as it becomes available.
