October 21 ~ At 0635 The Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire on Main Street at the Theater Mall.  Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire conditions,  after a quick size up firefighters discovered the roof well off and not usable for fire attack.  Mutual aid was quickly requested as the defensive attack became focused on saving exposures in the dense, downtown historic district.  At the incidents peak, 4 aerial apparatus and numerous attack lines were in operation.  After 6 hours of steady water the fire was brought under control and mutual aid units started to pick up.  The ATF along with city fire and police investigators will investigate the fire.  Several people were treated for smoke inhalation.  

The Park Theater Mall was 95 years old and housed numerous retail shops.  The neighboring theater which was saved is the longest and oldest running theater west of the Mississippi.  Nearly a dozen mutual aid fire districts responded to assist, many with a response time close to 45 minutes.  An antique fire truck collector was even called to bring his parade snorkel to the scene for aerial support.  Mike Melton Photos