SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 6, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A total of 50 firefighters worked to control a three-alarm blaze at a Salt Lake City apartment complex that caused at least $500,000 damage Monday morning.
The fire, in the area of the Foothill Gardens apartments at 1156 S. Foothill Blvd., was first reported at approximately 8:40 a.m., according to Salt Lake City Fire Department spokesman Jasen Asay.
First-arriving crews saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the east side of the three-story, 18-unit apartment building, said Asay. Prior to extinguishing the fire, firefighters performed a ground-ladder rescue for an man who was trapped in his apartment on the top level.
Investigators determined the fire originated on the outside porch of the top level, most likely starting from improperly disposed of smoking materials. “The fire moved inside, causing heavy fire damage to that apartment as well as the apartment directly below,” said Asay. “Firefighters contained the fire damage to those two apartments, however the ground-level unit below them suffered heavy water damage. The fire also extended into the attic.”
Four people from the three damaged apartments will be displaced until the damage is repaired. Occupants of the remaining 15 apartments may also be displaced until utilities are restored throughout the building. The Utah Red Cross was on scene assisting displaced individuals.
The damage estimate is between $500,000 and $750,000.
Asay said one firefighter sustained a minor shoulder injury and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
