MILLCREEK, Utah, Feb. 14, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Fire officials responded to a blaze at a homeless camp in Millcreek Wednesday night, and Metro Gang Unit officials remained to question young people about how the fire might have started.
The fire was reported at 6:01 p.m. at 3925 S. Jordan River Parkway.
“We had a small fire started in the brush by a homeless camp here in the river bottom,” said Matthew McFarland, Unified Fire Authority spokesman. “It rapidly spread.”
A grass fire is unusual this time of year, McFarland said, because the ground is usually wetter. But fires can happen at homeless camps due to fires people light to stay warm or to cook, or because of careless use of smoking materials, he said.
About 50 firefighters came to help, with Unified Fire Authority, West Valley City, Murray and Salt Lake City sending personnel.
“So far, we have no reports of injuries, either civilian or firefighters,” McFarland said. “The camp was littered with some propane tanks, which was a hazard concern for firefighters.”
An estimated 30 people had made a temporary home at the camp, according to people on the scene.
The Metro Gang Unit also responded to the scene and was talking to young people who may have had information about how the fire started or who may have started it, according to reports. At least one of the young people reportedly admitted to starting the fire.
The questioning continued late into the night.
Gephardt Daily will have more information on this developing story as it becomes available.
