Report Hazardous Materials Spill - Aurora, CO

Public Safety Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado residents and businesses must act quickly when a hazardous materials spill occurs to protect people, property, and the environment. For immediate life-safety threats or fires, call 911 and request Aurora Fire Rescue response; non-life-threatening releases should be reported to the Fire Prevention or Hazardous Materials unit for inspection and oversight via the city contact below.Aurora Fire Rescue[1] For certain releases that affect waterways or meet federal reportable quantities, federal reporting to the National Response Center is required.National Response Center[2]

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for hazardous materials incidents in Aurora falls primarily to Aurora Fire Rescue and the Fire Marshal or delegated code enforcement officers. The city enforces the adopted fire code, local hazardous materials ordinances, and any corrective or cleanup orders issued after inspection.

  • Enforcer: Aurora Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Division are the primary enforcing authorities for spills and fire-code violations.
  • Inspection and complaints: report incidents to the Fire Prevention Division or call 911 for immediate hazards.
  • Fines: specific civil or criminal fine amounts are not specified on the cited city pages; see the city contact for current penalty schedules.
  • Escalation: first-offense, repeat, and continuing offence treatments are not specified on the cited page and are handled per the Fire Marshal or municipal code procedures.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease operations, mandatory cleanup or remediation, seizure of materials, stop-work orders, or referral to courts for injunctions or criminal charges.
The city pages do not publish explicit fine tables for hazardous materials violations.

Applications & Forms

The Fire Prevention Division commonly issues operational permits and may require hazardous materials inventories or permit applications for storage, transportation, or use of regulated substances; however, specific permit names, form numbers, fees, and submission methods are not specified on the cited city pages and should be requested from the Fire Prevention Division.

  • If you handle regulated quantities of hazardous materials, ask the Fire Prevention Division about required permits and inventory statements.
  • Contact the Fire Prevention Division for forms, electronic submission options, and fee information.

Immediate Actions to Take

  • Call 911 for life-safety hazards, fires, or ongoing releases and advise dispatch this is a hazardous materials incident.
  • Evacuate or shelter occupants upwind and uphill from the release when indoors or outdoors as advised by responders.
  • Keep a safe distance, prevent ignition sources, and do not attempt cleanup unless you are trained and authorized.
  • Document time, location, product name (if known), quantity, and any exposures; this information aids investigators and regulatory reports.
Do not re-enter an evacuated area until responders declare it safe.

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

  • Improper storage or labeling of hazardous chemicals - may trigger correction orders and permit requirements.
  • Failure to report a release that meets reporting thresholds - may result in enforcement action or referral to state/federal agencies.
  • Illegal disposal or release to storm drains or waterways - can lead to cleanup orders and civil penalties.

FAQ

Who do I call first for a hazardous materials spill in Aurora?
Call 911 for any immediate danger; for non-emergencies contact Aurora Fire Rescue or the Fire Prevention Division to report and request inspection.[1]
Do I need to report small spills?
Report any spill that threatens public safety, property, or waterways; regulatory reportability depends on substance and quantity and may also require state or federal notification.[2]
Are there permits for storing hazardous materials?
Yes, the Fire Prevention Division may require operational permits or inventories for regulated quantities; contact the division for exact requirements and forms.

How-To

  1. Ensure personal safety and call 911 if anyone is injured or the release is uncontrolled.
  2. Notify Aurora Fire Rescue or Fire Prevention to report the incident and request a hazardous materials response.[1]
  3. Record details: location, time, product, estimated quantity, and actions taken.
  4. If required, make federal reports to the National Response Center for certain releases into navigable waters.[2]
  5. Follow all directions from the Fire Marshal, comply with cleanup orders, and submit required documentation or permits.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 immediately for life-safety threats and notify Aurora Fire Rescue for hazardous materials incidents.
  • Reportable releases may also require state or federal notification; keep detailed incident records.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora - Aurora Fire Rescue
  2. [2] U.S. National Response Center

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