North Metro Fire recently recognized a local maintenance worker whose quick actions prevented a dangerous kitchen fire from spreading at the Aspen Park Apartments in Northglenn.
On the late morning of October 8, 2025, a mother was cooking in her second-floor apartment when oil splashed in a hot pan and ignited. The fire spread quickly to the kitchen cabinetry, and despite her efforts to stop it, she was forced to evacuate with her baby. As she escaped, she alerted maintenance employee Julio Cesar Realivazquez, who was working nearby.
Without hesitation, Realivazquez grabbed a portable fire extinguisher—one recently installed as part of a fire-safety upgrade—and ran upstairs to help. When time North Metro Fire crews arrived five minutes later, he had already put out the bulk of the fire. Firefighters only needed a small amount of additional water to extinguish remaining hot spots. While the family’s apartment sustained significant damage, Realivazquez’s decisive actions prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring units and potentially saved lives.
For his bravery, North Metro Fire presented Realivazquez with the Citizen’s Life Safety Award.
Community Partners Support Displaced Family
Following the incident, several organizations came together to help the displaced family recover.
The district’s Community Risk Reduction Division, led by Josh Hamilton, quickly identified support resources and coordinated assistance. Thanks to their network, the family received essential items, supplies and immediate help during an extremely stressful time.
Among the network of helpers was A Precious Child, a local nonprofit that provides free essentials like clothing, hygiene products, food, diapers and more to families across the Denver metro area. The organization supplied the family with everyday necessities as well as mattresses and other sleeping essentials.
North Metro Fire also recognized Aspen Park Apartments management for relocating the affected family into another unit while repairs were made to their home. The complex had recently worked with Fire Inspector Rexford Wilkosz to increase the number of portable fire extinguishers throughout the property. One of these extinguishers was the very tool Realivazquez used to stop the fire from spreading.
A Powerful Example of Community Working Together
This incident highlights the importance of fire prevention efforts, access to safety equipment and strong community partnerships. While accidents can’t always be avoided, the response to this fire demonstrates how quickly a crisis can be handled. This situation is also a great example of how meaningful relief can be achieved when neighbors, organizations and first responders work together to support those in need.
North Metro Fire is proud to honor these individuals and partners for their commitment to doing the right thing and supporting their community when it mattered most.