On August 24, 1974, Durango Firefighter Nick Parks III and Durango Police Corporal Gale Emerson died in the line of duty at the 800 block of Main Avenue attempting to rescue tenants from a fire set by an arsonist. The general public is invited to attend the 40th anniversary memorial service in front of the Main Mall located at 835 Main Avenue, at 9am on Sunday, August 24th. Remembering the lives lost in the Main Street Fire, we will honor firefighter Nick Parks and police officer Gale Emerson with a presentation of colors by a joint honor guard of the Durango Fire Protection District and the Durango Police Department, and placing wreaths at the location of the fire. A drum & bagpipe corps will perform, and a history of this tragic event in Durango will be recounted by survivors. Main Avenue will be closed between 8th and 9th Streets beginning at 7am and re-open upon conclusion. Traffic delays should be expected while detouring in the area, and travelers are encouraged to use an alternate route to their destination.