A lightning strike sparked a fire on Denver International Airport (DIA) property Tuesday afternoon. While the blaze did not directly impact airport operations, DIA had already been placed on a ground delay earlier due to thunderstorms. The delay began around 3:30 p.m. and was expected to continue until 8 p.m.
The airport confirmed the fire in a statement, saying: “Emergency crews are responding to a brush fire west of the airfield caused by a lightning strike at 4:22pm. There are no impacts to flight operations.”
Also Read: Reno Rattlesnake Mountain fire: Black smoke from Barron Way blaze spreads across city
The Denver Fire Department said they are investigating the cause of the fire.
“DFD DEN crews are investigating possible multiple grass fires on airport property at the Denver International Airport. Currently the cause is unknown and the extent is still being assessed,” the department wrote in a post on X.
Also Read: Tornado in Cobb County? Videos near Atlanta's Truist Park spark concerns
Witness reports:
{{/usCountry}}Also Read: Tornado in Cobb County? Videos near Atlanta's Truist Park spark concerns
Witness reports:
{{/usCountry}}Several witnesses took to social media to report the lightning strike and the fire at the airport.
One person reported: “Wow, I was just at Wilson & 1st (Loveland) and lightning struck right there, and I felt it in the seat of my car.”
Another wrote, “I saw the lightening strike driving home on Pena.. I wondered if there would be a fire from it.”
A third person reported: “We are just west of the airport and were watching the lightning go straight to the ground.”
Another person wrote: “It’s pouring rain at DIA now so that’ll help put the fire out. Could see the smoke during my drive in.”
Another witness reported: “I was driving home and saw the lightning strike and the plume of smoke after it. Glad it wasn’t a plane crashing!!”