On September 28, 1992 Denver Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in a two story commercial occupancy at 0207 hours. Heavy smoke was billowing from the structure with no visible fire showing. As firefighter made entry, they were hit with high heat and extreme smoke with multiple fires in remote rooms across the structure. Engineer Mark Langvardt of Truck 16 was performing truck operations on the second floor when he became separated from his partner. Due to a partial floor collapse of the second floor, Langvardt found himself in a 6' x 11' room filled with filing cabinets and other office equipment with an aisle only 28 inches wide. The room had only one window that was 2o inches wide and a sill height of 42 inches off the ground and covered by a security grate. Engineer Langvardt was trapped and low on air. His ability to break a small hole in the window alerted the incident commander a firefighter was in trouble on the second floor.

Shortly thereafter, a second alarm was transmitted and a rescue operation was initiated. While firefighters attempted to remove Engineer Langvardt from the window, a second crew was working to breach an interior wall in hopes to remove Mark. Due to the narrow space, height of the sill and weight of Mark in full bunker gear, firefighters were unable to remove Mark through the window. After a 55 minute operation, firefighters were able to gain access through the interior wall and remove Mark from the structure. Engineer Langvardt died from his injuries due to smoke inhalation.

Many lessons were learned from this tragic death and from this was the "Denver Drill" which is now taught around the country for rapid intervention and firefighter rescues. The fire was said to be arson and the arsonist was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

May Engineer Mark Langvardt, Truck 16 of the Denver Fire Department rest in peace.