LOCAL NEWS
Five homes damaged in four fires across Wasatch Front
Dec 20, 2022, 11:44 AM | Updated: 4:26 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Several Utahns were displaced after multiple fires broke out in homes across the Wasatch Front late Monday night and early Tuesday.
Two injured in Taylorsville house fire
Firefighters were dispatched to a two-story home in Taylorsville Monday night after receiving multiple calls of smoke and flames coming from the structure.
Unified Fire Authority public information officer Eric Holmes said crews arrived and began a defensive fight to control the fire. Everyone was evacuated from the home and 10 people were assessed and treated by paramedics for various injuries. Two of those 10 were taken to an area hospital for further treatment.
Holmes said the home is unlivable due to massive amounts of damage from the flames and smoke. Investigators are working to determine if the home is a total loss.
Holmes added that the top two reasons they see for fires are heating and cooking.
“‘Tis the season. It’s cold outside, right?” Holmes said. “Everyone’s running their heaters.”
A Taylorsville family displaced after a house fire late last night. Everyone made it out safely, and two taken to the hospital #KSTV.. pic.twitter.com/RAq74gkyZx
— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) December 20, 2022
Two homes impacted by Provo fire
Several people were evacuated from their homes early Tuesday morning after a fire broke out in a Provo home and spread to another.
Family in the home on the right woke up to the smell of smoke. Came outside to see a fire in the carport. They managed to get out with their 3 kids. Fire then spread to the garage next door. That couple was also able to get out.@KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/QtQzVjFp3V
— Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) December 20, 2022
Deputy Fire Marshal Jeanie Atherton with Provo Fire & Rescue said the fire started in a home near 200 North and 800 East around 3 a.m. Two parents and their three children were able to get out of the home, and no injuries were reported.
The flames then spread to a detached garage of a second home. Luke and Emma Gleave, who got married just six months ago, weres able to get out of that home without injury.
“The neighbor’s house was just up in flames and so I’m like, ‘Luke, Luke, the house is on fire. We gotta get out,'” Emma Gleave said.
No cause for the fire has been released, but firefighters reminded the public to be careful with portable heaters and other electrical equipment as temperatures drop.
“This time of year is always concerning for us because people use a lot of portable heating devices,” said Jeanie Atherton, deputy fire marshal with Provo Fire & Rescue. “We just ask residents as it gets really cold, if you’re using portable heating equipment make sure you plug it directly into a wall outlet. If you have to use an extension cord make sure it’s graded for that equipment.”
Crews battle fire in West Valley home
Firefighters responded to a blaze in a West Valley City home around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Crews said three people were in the home, located in the 4400 block of Rutgers Avenue, when the fire started.
All three were able to evacuate, and investigators are working to determine what started the fire.
Firefighters said they found to heavy smoke and flames coming out of the home when they arrived, and it took about 10 minutes to extinguish. No injuries were reported, and authorities estimated the fire caused approximately $150,000 in damage.
Second Provo house fire
Provo firefighters also responded to a house fire near 2600 W. 1380 North Friday morning.
Capt. Sam Armstrong said crews arrived at the home just after 9 a.m. and found light haze coming from the front door and heavy smoke inside the home.
No injuries were reported and the home’s occupants were able to safely evacuate.
The cause of each fire is still unclear but what is clear to the Gleaves is their home may not be standing if not for firefighters.
“They were fast. They were really fast and that’s why our house was still standing. Just a lot of respect for them honestly. I’m very thankful,” they said.