Approximately 150 BMW vehicles were destroyed in a devastating fire that swept through 10 acres in Thornton on Wednesday, following days of dry and windy weather conditions, as reported by local authorities.
As of Friday morning, the cause of the fire remained unknown, with officials unable to provide a timeline for when it would be determined.
The Thornton Fire Department swiftly responded to the incident after a passerby noticed mulch smoldering near Pinnacle Charter High School on Huron St. The call came in around 11:30 a.m., prompting the deployment of additional support by responding crews, according to Erine Anderson, the department’s deputy chief of operations.
“It spread rapidly. Within seconds, not even a full minute, it had begun to advance across the open space,” Anderson stated at the fire station on Friday. “It escalated from an initial first alarm assignment to a second and third alarm being called before resources even arrived on the scene.”
Ultimately, about 150 firefighters were mobilized and managed to contain the fire by approximately 2 p.m. During the response, three firefighters and one fire investigator sustained minor injuries. Contrary to initial reports, no civilians were harmed.
The blaze impacted five businesses, primarily auto services. One of these establishments, a luxury auto repair shop specializing in BMW repairs and parts sales, Rol Race Autosports, owned by Jason Rol, catered to customers seeking rare automotive components from around the country.
“Many individuals had their prized vehicles stored here, whatever that may entail,” Rol remarked.
Despite misconceptions circulating online, Rol emphasized that his shop is not a junkyard but rather serves a niche community of car enthusiasts in need of vintage parts.
The fire consumed a mix of “junk” cars, vehicles used for parts, and numerous BMWs owned by individuals working on restoration projects. Rol estimated that 148 vehicles were lost in the fire, emitting thick black smoke visible throughout metro Denver.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed and somewhat in shock about what to do next,” Rol expressed on Friday. “Today is the first morning I’ve truly felt any emotion. It’s been challenging to return here each day.”
In response to the disaster, the shop launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist affected customers and neighbors. As of Friday afternoon, the crowdfunding effort had raised $6,000.
