A significant fire erupted in the Traverse Mountain area of Lehi, Utah, early Sunday morning, fully engulfing an apartment complex that was under construction. The blaze quickly consumed three buildings, including two apartment blocks and a clubhouse, creating a spectacular scene visible from miles away.
The incident took place near Point of the Mountain on North Windscape Drive, alongside the busy Interstate 15. Eyewitness accounts and aerial footage depict flames shooting from the structures as firefighters responded promptly to the scene.
Details of the Lehi Fire Incident
The fire began shortly after 1 a.m. and spread rapidly due to the wooden framing of the complex, which was part of Wood Partners’ Alta Vista project, designed to house 304 apartments. James Wilson, the senior superintendent for the project, expressed disbelief over how the fire could have started, especially given the measures taken for site security.
- Security personnel were on the premises 24/7, monitoring with multiple cameras.
- Wilson noted that the security guard had just completed a round of checks on the buildings, reporting no visible flames or smoke.
- He described the moment his guard saw smoke: “He got to the other end of the site, turned around, and he said he saw smoke and the flames starting.”
Fire officials reported that the buildings were at various stages of construction, with no active heat sources present on site at the time of the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident, and the fire has since been contained.
Investigation and Safety Measures
In the aftermath of the fire, the Lehi Fire Chief, Jeremy Craft, announced that an investigation is underway to determine the fire’s cause. Fire crews are expected to sift through the debris pile for the next four to five days to find any clues as to how the blaze originated. To assist in the investigation, scent-trained dogs will be deployed to explore the possibility of arson.
Compounding the situation, two cranes at the construction site became unstable due to the damage caused by the fire. Plans are in place to bring in a larger crane to safely dismantle the affected cranes, thereby allowing firefighters and investigators to access the site more safely.
Community Impact and Future Actions
In light of the fire, officials have urged residents to avoid the northern end of Traverse Mountain, including Flight Park Road and adjacent walking trails, until further notification. The local community is shaken by the incident as it underscores the vulnerabilities that construction sites may face regarding fire safety and security.
As the investigation unfolds, contractors, construction workers, and local residents will be keeping a close eye on the developments. Lessons learned from this fire could lead to improved safety protocols at construction sites in Lehi and beyond, especially as Utah continues to experience significant growth in housing and infrastructure development.
As always, FOX 13 News will keep you updated with any new information regarding this incident and its findings.
FAQs about the Lehi Fire Incident
What caused the fire in Lehi’s apartment complex?
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with authorities examining the rubble and using scent-trained dogs to detect possible arson.
Were there any injuries reported during the fire?
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which primarily affected buildings under construction.
What is the status of the site after the fire?
Fire crews have contained the fire, and ongoing efforts are focused on monitoring and extinguishing hot spots in the debris.
How can this incident impact future construction projects?
This incident may prompt reviews of fire safety protocols and security measures at construction sites to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
What steps are being taken to ensure community safety?
Residents are advised to avoid certain areas near the fire site, and local officials are reviewing safety measures to enhance protection against future incidents.
