Why asbestos testing is delaying cleanup months after flames destroyed a busy retail hub
Denver, Colorado, 9 February 2026 – Months after a devastating fire reduced a Colorado shopping center to rubble, cleanup efforts remain stalled due to concerns over asbestos contamination. What many expected to be a straightforward recovery process has turned into a slow and complex operation driven by safety testing and environmental rules.
Asbestos, a hazardous material once commonly used in construction, can be released into the air when buildings burn or collapse. Exposure to asbestos fibers poses serious health risks, which is why strict testing and handling procedures are required before demolition and debris removal can begin.
Why is it taking so long?
Following the fire, inspectors determined that asbestos testing was necessary before crews could safely clear the site. This process involves collecting samples from debris, analyzing them in certified laboratories, and creating a detailed removal plan if asbestos is found.
Each step takes time. If asbestos is confirmed, specialized contractors must be brought in to remove materials carefully, preventing fibers from spreading into nearby neighborhoods. These precautions, while essential, can add weeks or even months to recovery timelines.
The impact on businesses and the community
The delay has been difficult for local business owners who lost their shops in the fire. Many are unable to rebuild or relocate until the site is declared safe. Nearby residents have also expressed frustration, as the burned structure remains a visible reminder of the disaster.
Community leaders say the situation highlights the hidden challenges of fire recovery, especially in older commercial buildings where hazardous materials may still be present.
Safety before speed
Experts emphasize that while delays are frustrating, asbestos testing is not optional. Rushing cleanup without proper safety checks could expose workers and the public to long-term health risks, including respiratory illness.
Environmental and safety officials note that asbestos regulations exist to protect lives, even if they slow down rebuilding efforts in the short term.
What happens next
Once testing is complete and any hazardous material is removed, full demolition and site cleanup can begin. Only then can plans for redevelopment or rebuilding move forward.
The situation serves as a reminder that recovery after major fires is not only about repairing visible damage. Hidden dangers like asbestos can significantly affect timelines and costs.
As communities across Colorado continue to rebuild after fires and other disasters, this case underscores the importance of safety, patience, and thorough environmental checks in the path toward recovery.
