Enoch home ‘total loss’ due to large fire

ENOCH, Utah — A single-family home in Enoch was destroyed after a fire broke out in the garage area.

The incident happened in the 4500 block of Marshal Trail Wednesday night.

Officer Travis Carter with the Enoch City Police Department said two women and an 11-year-old boy were able to make it out, as well as three dogs and some cats.

Following an investigation, crews determined the fire started in the garage area, but an exact cause has not been identified.

Carter said a nearby storage container also went up in flames.

Several agencies were called out, including the Cedar City Fire Department, Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Enoch City Police Department and Cedar City Police Department.

Officials with the Utah Highway Patrol also responded to the area to help with traffic control.

Carter said firefighters were on scene until about 2 or 3 a.m. Thursday.

The home, which Carter said had working fire alarms, still had sandbags out front after the area was heavily flooded in early August.

“That street got hit really hard,” he said.

"You say 'Happy Thanksgiving' but you don't really realize what it is until you're really thankful." A family in Enoch is sleeping at a hotel tonight. They lost their home in a fire last night. Their story coming up at 10 on @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/ipiZgcEotL

— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) November 26, 2021

The family later told KSL-TV they were in the kitchen cooking a Thanksgiving roast when the fire started.

“And then, for some reason, a big boom shook the whole flipping house,” said Wyatt Ayers.

That’s when Wyatt said he saw smoke coming from the garage.

“You know the creases on the door? Smoke was coming in. I opened it and the whole garage was just lit,” he said. “The whole garage was just puffing like an oven.”

Wyatt said he yelled for his mom, Kay Ayers, and aunt to go outside.

“I yelled, ‘Get out of the house!’ My mom was still in there getting her purse and she couldn’t see,” said Wyatt.

“It’s surprising when there’s a fire, how the house just smokes up,” said Kay Ayers. “I mean, it goes so fast.”

Despite their incredible loss, the Ayers, who spoke to us from their hotel room, said they still have a lot to be thankful for. 

“We’re doing okay. We’re very thankful. This is our best Thanksgiving day in a long time,” said Kay. “It has really made us realize what being thankful is all about.”

The house is a total loss, but Kay was able to salvage a picture or two.

Some of the family’s pets also didn’t make it.

“Sadly, our old cats didn’t make it out of the house, but we’re very thankful,” said Kay.

Thankful because, at the end of the day, Kay said they have everything they need.

“I’m just glad my family’s still alive,” said Wyatt.

A GoFundMe page* has been set up to help the family.

*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.