Busy night for Estes firefighters and police

Story by Patti Brown

A structure fire broke out at the Haber Motel, 397 E. Elkhorn, late Friday night. The 911 call was received at 11:50 p.m. A second alarm was called at 12: hub 18 a.m., and the fire was called out at 2:33 a.m.

The smell of smoke was strong around the intersection of Wonderview and Big Thompson Avenues as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The Estes Valley Fire Protection District, the Estes Park Police, and officers with the Larimer County Sheriff were on the scene within minutes. 

More than a dozen firetrucks and law enforcement vehicles crammed into the parking lot between The Egg of Estes and the Estes Thai restaurants. 

First responder vehicles also lined Wonderview Avenue on the east side of the two-story motel. Flashing red and blue emergency lights lit up the night sky, and flood lights were set up to illuminate the building during the incident.

Firefighters were seen going up and down an outdoor staircase at the six-unit motel and repeatedly entering rooms on the upper level. 

One first responder at the scene told the Estes Valley Voice that no injuries had been reported. 

According to a statement from the EVFPD this morning, “the fire originated outside of the hotel, the cause is under investigation. A fire investigator and dog were requested from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to perform the investigation.”

Onlookers reported that shortly before the fire was reported, a white male smashed a window at Blades We’ve Got the Edge, a knife and weapons store at 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., across the street from the Wheel Bar. 

Reportedly, a sword was taken from the store window. While the fire was being extinguished, an adult male was arrested for burglary. The police did not indicate if the individual was swashbuckling at the time of his arrest.

It is unclear if these two incidents are related. According to a statement received this morning from the EPPD, the police and the fire district are investigating the fire. 

This story will be updated as more information about the fire and burglary becomes available.