A significant fire erupted in Lehi, Utah, devastating an apartment complex that was under construction near the Point of the Mountain. The incident was reported shortly after 10:15 a.m. on a Sunday morning, attracting a swift response from local fire departments.
Fire Response and Containment
Firefighters from across Salt Lake and Utah Counties were dispatched, totaling 28 units deployed in the Traverse Mountain area, particularly near Flight Park Road. About 100 firefighters worked diligently to control the fire, which had rapidly spread across multiple buildings within the complex.
According to Lehi officials, approximately 30,000 gallons of water were utilized every minute over a two-hour period to combat the flames. Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft noted that the challenge was heightened by the risk of cranes and incomplete structures collapsing during the firefighting efforts.
Witness Accounts
Local resident Noah Clark described the scene, stating, “We were driving on 2100 North and just suddenly looked to our right, and there was this huge plume of smoke.” Fire crews managed to contain the blaze by 12:30 p.m., although significant smoke remained visible as they extinguished hot spots.
Investigation and Damage Assessment
The majority of the four-story building ultimately collapsed, prompting ongoing monitoring of nearby cranes. Chief Craft emphasized the importance of safety for firefighters, stating, “We have a couple of cranes that got a lot of heat damage, and we’re having a hard time putting our people in there because we don’t believe those cranes are stable.”
Investigators are currently on-site but have been delayed in examining the rubble to determine the fire’s cause until conditions are safe. Craft mentioned it could take days to thoroughly evaluate the site and that arson dogs might be deployed to check for accelerants.
Impact on the Community
- Residents and motorists are urged to avoid the north end of Traverse Mountain.
- Flight Park Road and nearby walking trails remain closed.
- Frontage Road is open to traffic.
Though the stage of construction affects damage estimates, officials are collaborating with the property owner to appraise the costs incurred. Community members expressed their concerns about the fire spreading, although many believed it was confined to the apartment complex.
As firefighting teams continue their work, residents can expect lingering smoke in the area for the foreseeable future. Fire Chief Craft reiterated the complexity of the incident, stating, “This is an interesting fire. It’s going to take us a while to figure it out.”
