The historic Park Theatre Mall in the heart of downtown Estes Park was destroyed by flames Monday morning, Oct. 19th, 2009.

The fire was reported at 6:19 a.m. Flames could be seen from across the Estes Valley and a thick acrid black and white smoke obscured a portion of downtown as fire crews from the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department and several other agencies fought to contain the blaze.

Several police auxiliary members and civilians were being treated at the Estes Park Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

Jim Switzer, one of the men being treated, was among the first on the scene. Speaking from the hospital emergency room, Switzer said he went to a number of the residential apartments in the complex to warn residents to evacuate.

A hospital spokesperson said a number of the people being treated were not involved in fighting the fire, but were being affected by the toxic fumes blanketing much of downtown Estes Park.

Most of the damage was confined to the mall itself, although it is too early to tell the extent of the water and smoke damage to the surrounding buildings. The fire raged out of control until around 9 a.m. when crews began to get the upper hand.

Water was still being dumped on the smoldering ruins at noon Monday. The mall itself appears to be a total loss.

The Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department reported the fire has been contained. Estes Park Police Dispatch received the first report at 6:19 a.m.; EPVFD responded at 6:21 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters reported seeing fire breaking through the roof on the west side of the mall building.

The fire, located at 116 East Elkhorn Ave., was contained to the mall itself, and did not spread to the adjoining buildings.

The Estes Park Police Department evacuated neighboring businesses on Elkhorn Avenue, and electric service was suspended to the area for safety concerns. The power is expected to be restored by 2 p.m. today.

Elkhorn Avenue is currently closed to traffic from the intersections of Highways 34 & 36 to Spruce Avenue to accommodate fire equipment and is expected to reopen later today.

The building, which dates back to 1914, was originally a carriage house and livery; more recently, the building was converted into stores. No fire alarms or sprinkler systems had been installed in the building, which was home to seven businesses.

Due to the construction of the building, firefighters -- which included responders from Loveland Fire Rescue, Pinewood Springs Fire District, Allenspark Fire District, and Glen Haven Fire District -- were forced to fight the flames from the outside of the building with ladder trucks, aerials, and snorkel apparatus. Also helping out was local firefighter Doug Kink and his restored snorkel vehicle.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Larimer County Sheriff's officials assisted the Estes Park Police Department in directing traffic and closing the surrounding streets. Estes Park Police Auxiliary assisted as well. Town of Estes Park Streets, Parks, Water and Light & Power Departments assisted with water quality concerns, coning, and other safety issues.

"We are very grateful for the prompt response of the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department, which helped minimize the spread of the fire," said Mayor Bill Pinkham, "This incident demonstrates the importance of having a properly trained, dedicated, and well-equipped fire department. It was fortunate that the weather cooperated and we did not have high winds, "

"We also appreciate the cooperation and support of our neighboring agencies who pitched in during this critical time," Pinkham added.

Read more about this devastating fire at the Estes Park Trail Gazette here.