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.
Wow.
Look at this apartment complex (under construction) that caught fire in Millcreek. I’ve been told some homes in the area have lost power.
Bless our firefighters working in this extreme heat. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Ik8fSHbPiY
— Morgan Wolfe (@MorganWolfeKSL) June 17, 2021
“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.
Can you spot the hazards?
Here’s another look at our 3 alarm fire in @MillcreekUT yesterday. It was a complex incident, but with the help of our surrounding agencies, we were able to knock these flames down within a couple hours. pic.twitter.com/JvSgHEZbCV
— Unified Fire (@FireAuthority) June 17, 2021
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.
Now the @FireAuthority telling the media that the investigation starts to what caused the Millcreek Fire
Federal resources are headed here to help with the investigation
Also, road closed from on 1300 E from 3300 S to Brickyard
The story on #KSLTV at noon pic.twitter.com/C8BRd7Hf4T
— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) June 17, 2021
1300 E will be closed from Wells Fargo (1255 Brickyard Rd) to 3300 S until further notice. @FireAuthority will be staging their operations in this area and we will need the area to work on removal of the damaged cranes.
— Millcreek Utah (@MillcreekUT) June 17, 2021
