PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) – In just a few days, first responders in southern Colorado have managed to extinguish two separate fires at abandoned buildings. The first fire occurred near I-25 on Fourth Street in Pueblo, creating a dramatic scene as flames consumed an abandoned building that had previously faced similar issues. This incident took place on Tuesday.
On Friday, firefighters were called to an abandoned home that caught fire near Bessemer Park. Both incidents have sparked discussions about blight in the area.
“Blight refers to conditions that are considered a nuisance,” explained Director of Public Works Andrew Hayes. “It could be underdevelopment, dilapidated properties, or structures that have been burned or abandoned.”
Hayes noted that Pueblo has long struggled with blight, often due to aging infrastructure or 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 using materials that are no longer commonly used today.”
These materials include asbestos, lead-based paints, and other hazardous substances that can make certain properties unsafe for occupancy. Hayes added that other factors contributing to blight include property owners passing away or redevelopment efforts taking more time or money than expected.
With the recent fires, Hayes emphasized the importance of addressing the issue. “The city has a program called ‘Boarded, Blighted, Burnt Properties,’” he said. “Our goal is to ensure these properties are protected so they don’t become victims of fires like the ones we’ve seen recently.”
One of the main concerns with blighted properties is the impact on the quality of life for nearby residents. Hayes explained that such buildings often become temporary shelters for people seeking protection from harsh weather conditions.
“This can lead to individuals lighting fires to stay warm, which may eventually spread to the entire structure,” he said. That’s where the Boarded, Blighted, Burnt Properties program comes into play. The initiative started early last year, and despite the recent fires, Hayes described it as a success so far.
“It has been successful in identifying the affected properties,” Hayes said. “The first step in any program is to understand the problem. That’s what this program has begun to do.”
However, Hayes acknowledged that there is still work to be done, especially considering the risks highlighted by the recent fires. He expressed confidence that the program will continue to make progress.
“We hear you,” he said. “Development and redevelopment take time. It’s something that the community will need to be patient with.”
