Denser and older than much of Park Hill
City Park sits just west of Park Hill, across Colorado Boulevard. The park itself holds the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the residential blocks around its edges are generally denser than Park Hill. Older apartment buildings, early twentieth-century Denver Squares, and large houses divided into units over the years are all common.
Density changes what a fire means. In a multi-unit building, smoke moves through shared hallways, stairwells, trash chutes, plumbing chases and attics. A fire in one apartment can leave several others smoky or wet, and decisions about cleaning shared spaces belong to the building owner or association, not individual residents.
Older brick apartment buildings may have plaster walls, old wiring, radiator heat from a central boiler and materials that require testing before demolition, much like older single-family houses but at a larger scale.
Sorting out your situation
- IfYou rent an apartment affected by smoke but not fireNotify the building manager in writing, photograph your unit and belongings, and contact your renters insurer about cleaning or replacing contents.
- IfYou own a condo in an older buildingContact the association to learn what the master policy covers and what falls to your own policy.
- IfYou own a house divided into unitsYour building policy covers the structure. Coordinate with each tenant and arrange testing before demolition.
- IfWater came through from a unit aboveDocument it and report it to the building manager and your insurer, even if there was no smoke in your unit.
Questions for a building manager or association
- Which units and common areas were affected by smoke or water?
- Who is cleaning the hallways, stairwells and ventilation systems?
- Is the central heating system safe to run?
- Will residents be told about any testing for asbestos or lead before demolition?
- How long will affected units be out of use, and is temporary housing being arranged?
- Who should residents contact with questions during repairs?
Contacts that commonly come up
- Permits and inspections
- Denver Community Planning and Development
- Gas and electric
- Xcel Energy
- Fire reports
- Denver Fire Department
- Immediate help
- American Red Cross disaster services
- Asbestos rules
- CDPHE
Common questions
My apartment smells smoky but nothing burned in it. Is that worth reporting?
Yes. Smoke drifting through a building leaves residue on walls, clothing and bedding even when nothing is visibly damaged. Tell the building manager in writing, photograph your rooms, and ask your renters insurer whether contents cleaning is covered.
Can I hire my own cleaner for an apartment?
You can usually arrange cleaning of your own belongings. Cleaning walls, ceilings, carpets and building systems is normally the owner's responsibility, so check with the manager before anyone works on the unit itself.
Does a central boiler serve every unit in older buildings?
Many older apartment buildings near the park were built with a single boiler and radiators in each unit. If that boiler or its chimney was affected, heat for the whole building may be off until it is cleared.
General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.