Fire at Cannabis Dispensary Sends Thick Smoke Across Leadville, Triggers Evacuations
Leadville, CO — A morning fire at a downtown cannabis dispensary sent thick smoke across much of Leadville, prompting air-quality alerts and temporary evacuations for nearby homes and businesses, according to multiple local news reports.
The blaze broke out just before 9 a.m. on December 18, 2025 at Floyd’s of Leadville, a popular marijuana and CBD dispensary on Poplar Street. The smoke quickly spread across portions of the mountain town of roughly 2,600 residents, leading officials to urge people to stay indoors, wear masks, and limit outdoor activities as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Lake County Elementary School canceled outdoor recess for the day due to the air conditions.
Fire crews from Lake County and surrounding departments were on scene for several hours. While the blaze caused significant damage to the business, no serious injuries were reported. Fire officials say the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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Floyd’s of Leadville was founded by former professional cyclist Floyd Landis and co-owned by fellow rider Dave Zabriskie, drawing attention within the community beyond the typical coverage of commercial fires.
In the days after the incident, social media users in and around Leadville continued to share photos and discussions about the unusual smoke event, often with light-hearted commentary. Some referenced local restaurants’ business climbing in the wake of the smoke, while others made cultural references to Colorado’s “Rocky Mountain High.” These posts illustrate the community’s mix of humor and concern following the incident.
No timeline has yet been released for repairs or reopening of the dispensary.
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