MIDVALE, UTAH – November 11, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A Midvale man who allegedly suffers from mental illness set a fire in a box in his yard, then took it inside, ultimately causing around $100,000 worth of damage to his home.
Firefighters from four local agencies battled the two-alarm fire, and police were also called to the scene.
Spokesman for Unified Police Detective Jared Richardson said the call about the fire at the 8038 South Main St. home came in just after 11 a.m.
“When officers arrived, the house was fully engulfed, and several people were coming out of the home including the one that was identified as starting the fire,” Richardson said.
He said the 51-year-old man was very uncooperative and eventually had to be Tasered, so he could be given the medical attention he needed. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and will be taken into custody when doctors release him.
Authorities said they were able to get everyone else who was inside the house safely out.
The home was engulfed and initial reports suggest $100,000 of damage.
“Witnesses said something happened this morning that sent him off balance, and he went out back and started a fire in a cardboard box, tried to bring that into the home and it started the fire inside,” Richardson said.
One first responder who suffered smoke inhalation attempting to escort an occupant out was treated at the scene and is expected to recover.
Unified, Murray, Sandy City and West Jordan Fire Departments all responded to the scene.
We will have more on this developing story as it becomes available.
