A storage building burned so intensely west of downtown, churning up plumes of black smoke, that Denver firefighters initially had to back off the fire before surrounding it and containing it Wednesday morning.

It was located at 2506 W. 13th Ave., near the intersection at Zuni Street, and was discovered late Tuesday night. Smoke was noticeable as far east as the state capitol.

“That fire is still burning,” a Denver Fire dispatcher confirmed. “It’s not as bad as it was last night. We still have crews on it.”

Firefighting crews rolled to the fire shortly before midnight and found it fierce. Parts of the building were collapsing, Denver Fire Captain J.D. Chism said.

Commanders ordered firefighters to back out of the building and attack flames from outside.

Late Tuesday, one firefighter was evaluated for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

“It is still smoldering due to the size,” Chism said Wednesday morning. “Inside, it is just too dangerous for firefighters. We still have crews lobbing water onto it from outside, trying to keep it at bay. We are expecting to have it be smoldering for some time.”

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