DENVER - Those evacuated from their homes during the North Cap Hill fire that killed two people and torched a construction site can get access to their homes to get important items throughout the weekend.
Denver Mayor's Office of Emergency Management announced Friday afternoon that residents who aren't yet allowed to return home can at least go home from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Residents will be able to grab things, get their cars, survey damage and begin planning to rebuild, the agency says.
Once you're near the site of the investigation, find a police officer. The officer will verify your ID and help figure out when you can get home, emergency management says.
The fire broke out Wednesday at 12:09 p.m. and quickly engulfed a construction site at 18th and Emerson that was to be a five-story apartment building. Two people lost their lives. At least 40 cars were destroyed and a dozen nearby buildings were damaged - some more than others.
The investigation into the fire is still ongoing, with investigators digging through rubble and remains to try and figure out what caused it and access the damage. The city says it's bringing in third-party help to expedite this process.
The city also says it will expedite any permit requests for inspections that could be needed for repairs to homes and buildings.
People on the 1800 block of Emerson are not allowed to go home yet - and there's no word on when that may be.
Those who would like to help out victims of the fire are asked to donate to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Emergency management officials ask that people do not bring donations of any kind to the Denver Police officers on-site. All city staff is doing on the block is helping people get into their homes and access damage; they have no place to store donations and wouldn't know what to do with them.
