LOCAL NEWS

Massive Millcreek Construction Site Fire Causes Millions In Damages

Jun 17, 2021, 9:56 AM | Updated: 12:50 pm

MILLCREEK, Utah — Crews responded to a massive, 3-alarm fire at a mixed-use building under construction in Millcreek’s Brickyard neighborhood Wednesday evening.

The fire burned hot and fast, sending thick columns of black smoke into the air that were visible across the Salt Lake Valley.

“The biggest challenge is just the sheer size,” said Patrick Costin, public information officer for the Unified Fire Authority. “It’s a huge structure. We all saw those flames, just getting enough firefighters here with hoses to cool those and get those flames out.”

The unseasonably hot temperatures didn’t help either.

“It’s 90-plus degrees,” continued Costin. “Firefighter turnout gear is incredibly thick. It’s very insulating to keep us safe from the flames, but it also keeps that heat in.”

Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini was glad no one was seriously hurt in the fire. But watching the structure burn wasn’t easy.

“I’m very disappointed,” he said. “This is the very first building in our new city center.”

Silvestrini said the building’s owner estimated damages in the $15-to-20 million range. The strip mall next to his building also suffered severe fire damage.

Fire crews said a woman who works in that building was taken to the hospital but did not provide an update on her condition or what caused her injuries.

The fire could be seen for miles, and people who live and work in the area wanted to see what was going on. David Castillo, who works across the street said he felt the heat at first. Then he looked out his window and couldn’t believe his eyes.

“I don’t know how else to put it other than a big ball of flame,” Castillo told KSL TV. He recorded on his cell phone as the power line sparked. And, even from a distance, his cell phone was overheating from the intense heat.

Fire investigators don’t know how or where the fire started yet, but they have not ruled out arson. Arson investigators and an ATF agent walked the perimeter of the fire and will be out again Thursday to get a better look.

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Massive Millcreek Construction Site Fire Causes Millions In Damages