by Amber Wyatt | Jan 16, 2026 | Main Articles
Fire Threatened Historic Inga’s Alpine Tavern
by Amber Wyatt
Blazing Inferno: The Leetsdale Drive fire was the largest in Denver for decades but fortunately resulted in only one fireman being injured
A five-alarm fire tore through the Harker Heights apartment complex under construction along Leetsdale Drive along the Glendale-Denver border on Friday evening, January 3, sending thick black smoke into the sky, knocking out power for nearby blocks, and forcing evacuations on the border of Denver and Glendale.
The 283-unit development was scheduled to open in May, but officials said the building had not yet been outfitted with a sprinkler system or interior drywall, allowing flames to spread rapidly through exposed construction materials. At one point, the fire sparked a smaller blaze behind the neighboring Sherwin-Williams paint store, which crews quickly extinguished.
Individual Arrested
Suspect: Convicted felon Tony Becerra of Aurora was arrested in connection with the five-alarm fire on Leetsdale Drive.
It was the largest fire in Denver in decades and encompassing an area equal to four football fields. With unusual alacrity the Denver Fire Department (DFD) announced on January 14, 2026, that they had arrested Tony Becerra, 38, of Aurora as a result of a joint arson investigation of the DFD and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Surveillance footage has the suspect entering and leaving the construction site shortly before the fire started and other cameras tracked his movements after leaving the site. He is shown carrying a black bag. The exact origin and cause of the fire have not yet been determined.
Becerra had been previously convicted of felony trespassing and had an active warrant from June 2025 for failing to appear for another trespassing charge. In keeping with Denver city policy his immigration status was not revealed.
Evacuations And Power Losses
Neighborhood Watch: Homeowner watched and worried as the fire roared. Homes on East Dakota Ave. on the north were noticeably damaged.
Roughly 1,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power as firefighters battled the flames, and the Glendale Police Department opened an overnight shelter at the Glendale Event Center for people displaced by the evacuation orders and outages.
Denver Police issued evacuations for residents of about 10 to 15 homes behind the construction site, where residents watched the fire climb high above rooftops.
“It looked like the building was blowing up,” said South Hilltop resident Caitlyn Molner, who lives directly behind the site. “I saw the flames in the reflection of my refrigerator.”
Molner said she and her husband fled with their four-month-old baby and dogs within minutes as the heat intensified near their home.
“I was afraid our house was going to burn down,” she said. “The firefighters did an incredible job keeping it out of our home.”
Historic Tavern Narrowly Spared
Photo by: Caitlin Spano
For many neighbors, the fire carried an additional fear: that it might destroy Inga’s Alpine Tavern, a longtime community fixture next door to the burning complex. The tavern sits in a building that dates back to 1954 and has served multiple generations of residents as both the neighborhood and the surrounding business corridor evolved.
“I’ve never seen one like it in Denver,” said Jeff Hansen, whose family built the structure in the 1950s and now owns it. “We’re just grateful Inga’s made it.”
The restaurant’s owner, Mary McKnabb, said she was not on site when the fire broke out, but her son Peter, the manager on duty, called her shortly after flames erupted nearby.
“About 10 minutes later the police showed up and told them they had to evacuate immediately,” McKnabb said. “Fire trucks were blocking Leetsdale. The parking lot was almost inaccessible.”
McKnabb said her son secured the business quickly before leaving, unsure what would remain by morning.
“He told me, ‘Mom, I thought the place wouldn’t be here tomorrow,’” she said.
Although the building survived, smoke and disruption have affected business operations in the days since. Inga’s lost power and connectivity, forcing the tavern to operate on a limited basis.
“We have a backup internet that sort of works,” McKnabb said. “We can run credit cards, but we can’t print receipts or kitchen tickets. We’re handwriting everything.”
Residents Describe Intense Heat, Smoke Damage
Hose Deployment: Fire engines capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water a minute had to be refueled at least four times during the night of the fire.
In the South Hilltop neighborhood behind the construction site, residents described flames reaching an estimated 100 feet and heat strong enough to threaten nearby homes. Alan Rivoir, who lives just behind the site, said he was away in Littleton when his landlord called to warn him.
“He said, ‘The building behind us is burning down and the heat is intense,’” Rivoir said.
Rivoir rushed to make arrangements for his three dogs as evacuation orders spread. He said his home did not catch fire, but smoke from burning construction materials caused significant damage and required full remediation.
Fire’s Remnants: Residue from the five alarm Leetsdale fire highlights the destruction and loss brought about by the event. Photo: Kevin J. Beaty
“The wind saved us,” Rivoir said. “If it had shifted, those 100-foot flames would have wiped out our whole block.”
Fire Contained After Heavy Response
Firefighters used heavyweight equipment to move debris as crews worked to fully extinguish hot spots. Officials reported that 156 firefighters responded and that several engines capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water per minute had to be refueled at least four times overnight due to the scale of the blaze.
Hose Deployment: Fire engines capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water a minute had to be refueled at least four times during the night of the fire.
Following the fire, nearby businesses began reopening as conditions improved. Inga’s reopened to serve residents returning from evacuations who did not want to cook.
The Jewish Community Center remained closed through January 4 to prevent smoke from entering the building, while air purifiers ran throughout the facility. In a statement, the center thanked first responders and said it was collecting items of appreciation for nearby fire stations, including fresh challah bread.
Frightful Flames: Flames from Leetsdale Drive apartment construction site fire flare above the nearby Greek Orthodox Cathedral
The Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral, located nearby, said it did not sustain smoke damage.
Questions remain as investigation continues
The cause of the fire has not been officially determined. Investigators said they were considering all possibilities, including reports of fireworks in the area.
The property is owned by Embrey, a Texas-based real estate investment company. Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are assisting, deploying a National Response Team that includes certified fire investigators, explosives specialists, engineers, and forensic chemists, along with an accelerant detection canine.
Photo by: Zachary Roulier
Despite the destruction of the unfinished apartment complex, many residents expressed relief that the fire did not spread further into surrounding businesses and homes.
“Thank you to the firefighters, because I don’t know how all of these homes aren’t burned down,” Mark Lampert told Denver7. “I mean, seriously, it’s a miracle.”
For Molner, the memory of the night still feels unreal.
“We were lucky,” she said. “So lucky. And we owe everything to the firefighters who kept it from getting worse.”
by Amber Wyatt | Oct 20, 2025 | Travel
by Amber Wyatt
The Skinny Dip: A classic cocktail with a lemon twist, known as The Skinny Dip, awaits at The Bar Car, where the vintage ambiance and neighborhood camaraderie make every sip feel like home, no matter where you’re from.
Cozy Patio: The Bar Car at 819 Colorado Blvd. welcomes locals with its cozy patio, signature menu, and the promise of good times where “friends and neighbors meet.”
Neighborhood Favorite: With a lineup of craft beers, top-shelf spirits, and hearty pub fare, The Bar Car continues to be a favorite neighborhood stop for both drinks and bites.
On a stretch of Colorado Boulevard better known for fast traffic than lasting community, BarCar has carved out something rare: a true neighborhood bar that doubles as a second home. For majority owner Victor Muñiz and part-owner Andrew Callahan, the mission is clear — create a space where locals feel seen, safe, and connected.
“Working at BarCar is working at a neighborhood spot that is truly a neighborhood spot,” Callahan said. “It is for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood. Most of us live close by.” For Callahan, who has lived in the neighborhood for over a decade, the bar is both a livelihood and a love letter to the community.
That grassroots spirit is built into the very structure of the business. Unlike most establishments, BarCar is largely employee-owned. “We are a mostly employee-owned bar,” Callahan explained. “Almost all of the investors, except for I think one right now, are employees of the bar. We’ve told our entire staff that if they work with us for a couple years and want to become an investor, we’re open to that. That is a path they can take.”
This model has given the bar an unusually high level of buy-in from its team, especially from veteran bartenders who appreciate the stability and the opportunity to shape the place where they work. “Having the opportunity to become financially invested is a big plus,” Callahan noted. “Not a lot of places always offer that.”
That sense of ownership translates directly to hospitality. Muñiz, who also owns the Owl Saloon, describes BarCar as nothing short of a dream realized. “It’s my dream come true,” he said. “Everything about it — friends, family — it’s just a great place to be all the time.”
For Muñiz, the family feel isn’t a metaphor. It’s the guiding principle. “We created a community where we have your makeshift family here,” he explained. “That’s what it’s about. That’s what bars are about in my opinion.”
That philosophy manifests in everyday moments. Neighbors use BarCar as a meeting place before concerts, after games, or just to catch up on life. “A lot of people come before they do other things in life and meet up here or afterwards,” Muñiz said. “Honestly, I think that’s the best thing we do — we keep the neighbors together.”
The idea of BarCar as a community hub is reinforced by personal milestones. When Callahan married his wife, who also works in the hospitality industry, they hosted their wedding reception at another venue — then, naturally, the celebration moved to BarCar. “At around 9:30 or 10, most of the people at our wedding, who were industry workers as well, showed up here,” he recalled. “It became quite a big party to have the neighborhood people getting married, you know?”
Muñiz, who spent years as a bartender and server before stepping into ownership, says that lived experience informs his leadership. “I believe in a bartender-driven industry,” he said. “I know we could have extra staff, but at the end of the day, it’s a staff of people that care and like doing what we do.”
That tight-knit crew has weathered challenges together, particularly during the pandemic. “Coming out of COVID, we had a lot of employees that we needed, and we’re back to the hardcore seven,” Muñiz said. “That’s how we built this bar before COVID, and then we’re back to that again. It’s seven people that give a shit.”
And that’s exactly the vibe patrons notice. BarCar feels less like a business transaction and more like a gathering in someone’s living room — with better cocktails. “We want to be there for everybody that’s looking to have a good time in a cool, comfortable environment,” Muñiz said. “We’re all about being a safe place for people to come and hang out and not worry about the bullshit life has.”
The menu reflects that same spirit of neighborhood hospitality. During my visit, longtime bartender Brandy mixed me a Skinny Dip — a smooth, subtly sweet cocktail built with Deep Eddy sweet tea vodka, a squeeze of lemon, and just enough water to keep it light. It was the kind of drink made for conversation, and sure enough, I enjoyed it while chatting with Callahan and the cook, Will, who proudly shared that the kitchen rotates its cheese curd flavors. The current favorite? Dill pickle. Naturally, I had to try them. Crisp, golden, and tangy, the curds carried just enough bite to spark a round of laughter as the basket quickly disappeared among us.
That theme of comfort and camaraderie carried right into lunch. I went for a proper Chicago dog, stacked with the traditional fixings, and paired it with sidewinder fries that were as hearty as they were shareable. To balance it out, Brandy slid across the bar a Jabroni Negroni — the house’s playful take on a classic. Made with Hendrick’s gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the cocktail leaned pleasantly bitter and sour, a bold counterpoint to the rich food and the easy banter flowing through the room.
As Callahan put it, “This neighborhood bar — we focus on just making sure everyone’s taken care of. Everyone knows each other around here. And everyone that’s new to the neighborhood, we always welcome them in.”
On Colorado Boulevard, where strip malls often outnumber handshakes, BarCar has become something enduring: a place where the beer is cold, the people are warm, and the neighborhood spirit is alive and well
by Amber Wyatt | Sep 22, 2025 | Glendale City News
by Amber Wyatt
Intersection at Alameda and Franklin westbound where two lanes expand into four lanes.
Neighborhoods west of Alameda between Corona and Downing.
Residents of the Washington Park area are voicing strong opposition to a city plan that would reduce traffic lanes on Alameda Avenue. The proposal, spearheaded by Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), aims to reconfigure the busy corridor between Downing Street and Franklin Street. But neighbors argue the changes will worsen congestion, harm local businesses, and push traffic deeper into residential streets.
At the heart of the plan is a major reconfiguration of Alameda’s lanes. Currently, the road has two lanes in each direction. DOTI intends to cut that down to a single lane each way, adding dedicated left-turn lanes in certain stretches and installing medians with bollards to restrict some left turns altogether.
“They’re going to take out two traffic lanes,” explained Jill, a member of the grassroots coalition Act for Alameda. “So it will be one lane, east and west. And then with the space they gain in some places, they’re going to put left turn lanes.”
The city’s rationale is safety. By slowing traffic and streamlining turn lanes, DOTI believes the project will reduce accidents. But residents say the plan ignores how much traffic Alameda carries — especially as a vital east-west connector to and from I-25.
“This is a super heavy section,” Jill said. “When they’re taking traffic lanes out, it is going to be a lot busier. So you’re going to have a lot more cars squeezed into one lane. We’re basically worried that congestion will get significantly worse.”
The Act for Alameda group formed in May after learning of the project, which was initially scheduled to begin in June but has since been delayed to September. The group’s website includes a letter for residents to sign, directed to the mayor, outlining their concerns.
Preexisting turn lanes on Alameda between Logan and Franklin.
One major worry is neighborhood traffic diversion. If Alameda becomes choked with cars, drivers may opt for narrower residential streets. “We’re very worried about the number of cars that’ll be diverting through the neighborhoods,” Jill said. “Maybe Alameda itself gets slightly safer, but you’re shifting the safety problem into these narrow streets where you’ve got a lot of dogs and kids.”
Safety for emergency responders is another concern. “There’s a fire station right on the northeast corner of Wash Park,” Jill noted. “We’re worried that if Alameda just becomes gridlock during peak times, it also makes those emergency response times a lot slower.”
The group isn’t opposed to all aspects of the plan. In fact, they welcome certain safety improvements. “We are all for better school zone markings. They want to lower the speed limit — we’re fine with that. They want to put in a flashing crosswalk. All of those things directly point to making pedestrians safer,” Jill said. “It’s really the removal of the lanes, reducing road capacity, that just does not compute for us.”
Adding to frustrations, residents point out that the stretch of Alameda west of Broadway is already under heavy construction, with lane reductions and bike lanes being installed. Business owners in both areas worry that prolonged projects will drive customers away.
Jill suggested that if DOTI wants to spend its bond dollars, it should focus further west, where accident rates are higher. “This section of Alameda is considered part of the high injury network, but it is in the lower tier,” she said. “The higher risk, less safe areas are further west. We would love to see them do stuff there.”
Complicating matters is Denver’s rapid growth. A massive residential project is already underway on the site of the old Bed Bath & Beyond at Cherry Creek Mall, with plans for roughly a thousand apartments. “It’s not like there are signs there’s going to be fewer people needing Alameda,” Jill said. “It’s going to be more drivers in five years, not less.”
For long-time residents like Jill, who has lived in Wash Park for nearly 20 years, the plan feels like déjà vu. She recalled that the city tried a similar lane reduction about 15 years ago, only to quickly reverse course. “They have tried to make changes in this area before,” she said, “but it’s essentially been the way it is now.”
With construction looming, Act for Alameda continues to push for dialogue. “We have not heard directly from DOTI,” Jill said. “The only indication we have that they’re hearing us is that they’ve already delayed the project once.”
For Wash Park neighbors, the fight is far from over. As Jill put it, “We just think that it’s too significant of a constriction of the road to actually make things safer. They’re going to spend all this money, make all these changes, and just create new safety issues.”
