SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 28, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Firefighters in Salt Lake City are mopping up hot spots after spending hours battling a dramatic 5-alarm blaze near the University of Utah early Monday morning.
The fire, first called into emergency dispatchers around 2:10 a.m., was at the Incline Terrace Condominiums, a multi-story complex located near 1100 East 400 South.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames billowing from the roof and upper floors of the building with people on balconies calling for help.
Firefighters moved quickly, bringing in ladders to rescue the stranded residents, some of whom appeared overwhelmed with emotion once they reached the ground.
Other residents who fled the burning building, including those who had been awakened by neighbors pounding on their doors, stood in stunned disbelief while firetrucks and ambulances, their lights flashing and sirens blaring, continued to pour into the off-campus neighborhood just west of the U of U.
It was estimated as many as 60 residents may have been displaced by the fire.
Four firefighters were injured battling the blaze, including two who were taken to the University of Utah Hospital suffering from what was believed to be smoke inhalation. The exact nature and extent their injuries were not immediately revealed.
Five cats and a dog also were rescued, according to information released by the department.
The stubborn fire, which burned through the roof and caused at least one wall to collapse, was officially declared under control at 6:08 a.m. It was expected to take several hours before the fire would be completely extinguished.
The cause of the blaze has yet to be determined.
Gephardt Daily will update the story as more information becomes available.
