Boarded, Blighted, and Burnt: Southern Colorado Tackles Abandoned Building Fires

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PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) - In a matter of days, first responders in southern Colorado have dealt with two separate fires at abandoned buildings, raising concerns about the growing issue of blight in the area.

The first fire occurred near I-25 on Fourth Street in Pueblo on Tuesday, where flames engulfed an abandoned building that had previously faced similar issues. Just a few days later, on Friday, firefighters were called to another incident involving an abandoned home near Bessemer Park.

These events have sparked discussions among residents and officials about the impact of blighted properties on the community. According to Andrew Hayes, the Director of Public Works, blight refers to conditions that are considered nuisances, such as underdeveloped areas, dilapidated structures, or properties that have been burned or abandoned.

Hayes explained that Pueblo has long struggled with blight, often linked to aging infrastructure and challenges related to land management and property ownership. "Pueblo is an old city," he said. "We have many neighborhoods from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where homes were built with materials that are no longer used today."

He pointed out that some of these materials, such as asbestos and lead-based paints, can be hazardous and make certain properties unsafe for habitation. Additionally, issues like the passing of property owners or unexpected delays in redevelopment projects can contribute to the problem.

Despite these challenges, Hayes emphasized that the city has taken steps to address the issue through its "Boarded, Blighted, Burnt Properties" program. This initiative, which began earlier last year, aims to identify and protect properties that pose risks to the community.

"The program has been successful in identifying the properties," Hayes said. "It’s important to quantify the problem before taking action, and this is what the program has started doing."

One of the main concerns associated with blighted properties is their impact on the quality of life for nearby residents. Hayes noted that these buildings often become temporary shelters for people seeking protection from harsh weather conditions.

"This can lead to individuals lighting fires to stay warm, which sometimes results in larger fires that spread quickly," he said. The Boarded, Blighted, Burnt Properties program is designed to prevent such situations by ensuring these properties are properly secured.

While the recent fires highlight the ongoing risks, Hayes remains optimistic about the progress being made. He acknowledged that development and redevelopment take time but stressed the importance of community patience and support.

"We hear you," he said. "It's something that folks will have to be patient with, but we're committed to making progress."