Victim Speaks: Suspicious Fire at West Valley Fourplex Displaces 28
WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH – April 22, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – West Valley City and Unified Fire battled a fast traveling two-alarm fire at an apartment complex at 4533 S. Dean Drive (3820 West).Gephardt Daily was on scene shortly after the blaze started and just after fire crews were able to get everyone out.
There were four occupied units with nearly 30 residents who have have suffered a tremendous loss today and have now been displaced.
Linda Martinez, who just had surgery on two of her legs said that she was inside her apartment when her family came in and told her to get out because the building was on fire. “My other daughter came in to get me out and had to literally push and drag me down the stairs,” said Martinez. She also had her cat with her at the time she left the building but something spooked him and he ran back inside the apartment. She fears the cat she had had for 16 years did not survive.
At the same time Linda was going out the front door her grandson Jimmie was trapped inside and had to jump out of the two-story window, but was able to escape without any injury. “I was trapped inside and the only way out was through the window so I jumped,” said Jimmie.
Another resident in the complex also had to jump out his window and he was taken by ambulance to the local hospital with minor injuries.
Bob Fitzgerald, Battalion Chief with West Valley City Fire said the fire started just around 3:45 p.m., and at this time appears to be suspicious. “It does appear the fire was intentionally set but we are uncertain at this time what caused the fire.” said Fitzgerald. One suspect was taken in for questioning but has since been released.
