Streets Became 'Ice Rinks' As Firefighters Battled Vacant Building Fire

DENVER (CBS4) – It was a tough night for Denver firefighters who battled both flames and cold at a vacant building.

The fire broke out near 13th Avenue and Shoshone Street at approximately 10 p.m. Monday.

The flames reportedly got out of hand quickly and there was also concern the firefighters could get hurt because of the icy conditions.

"As the ladder companies were flowing water – we're talking thousands of gallons per minute – so the streets become ice rinks," Lt. Mike Pylar with Denver Fire said. "So make sure … that we don't have slip-and-fall hazards, and … we just take care of the firefighters."

The light rail nearby shut down for a little while but has been reopened.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.