Rocky Ford Fire Dept Releases Liberty School Fire Incident Report

Description: The Rocky Ford Fire Department Released the Following Incident Report Regarding a Structure Fire at Liberty School on November 24 and 25, 2024... Photos Courtesy of RFFD.

Rocky Ford Fire Dept Releases Liberty School Fire Incident Report

On 11/24/2024 at approximately 8pm we were paged to a structure fire at 608 North 11th aka Liberty School. This school has been abandoned since 2012 and was not in service.

We arrived on scene and reported rolling flames on the east side of the building.

We requested mutual aid from Manzanola Volunteer Fire Department and La Junta Fire Department.

Fire cause was determined to be rubbage and debris in the middle of the classroom floor which appeared to be setup like a campfire. Thermal imaging was used and fire was extinguished and all units cleared at approximately 1130pm. 

On 11/25/2024 We were paged again to this same location at approximately 5:30 am.  This time the fire was focused in the hallways and classrooms throughout the center of the building on both east and west sides of the buildings.  Mutual aid was requested same as above and Fowler Rural Fire Protection District. 

Fire proved to be difficult to extinguish so heavy equipment was requested by HC Construction and J.M. Tucker Excavating.  Heavy equipment helped remove trees and walls allowing firefighters a better chance to extinguish the fire.  Crews worked strenuously throughout the day finally containing the fire at approximately noon.  

Investigations took place with the assistance of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Fire Investigation Unit and Rocky Ford Police Department.  Cause of this fire appeared to be a rekindle from the fire the night before which extended into void spaces in the hallway ceilings. 

Colorado Departments of Fire Prevention and Control utilized their cadaver dog to ensure no persons in building.  This is due to this site known for being a site for vagrants, and illegal drug activity.  No injuries or casualties from this fire.  Owners were notified.

A big shout out goes out to Mayor Duane L. Gurule, The Rock House Bar & Grill, Maya’s Carneceria, Norman Kincaide, Lex Nichols, Marty Lee, and all of our heavy equipment operators for your contributions to pulling walls, removing trees, feeding our firefighters, providing water, photos, and drone footage.  It is greatly appreciated by all of us.

Watch the Videos:

Multiple Agencies Assist Rocky Ford Fire Dept at Liberty School Structure Fire

Rocky Ford Fire Chief Reports on Liberty School Structure Fire on Nov. 24, 2024

Extended Footage of the Liberty School Fire in Rocky Ford, CO on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024

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Photos Courtesy of RFFD