Lehi house partially collapses following massive fire

LEHI — Several emergency crews responded to a large fire that destroyed a Lehi home Thursday morning.

Several firetrucks and first responders from Lehi and American Fork responded to the cul-de-sac home at 18 E. 1460 North just after 5 a.m.

Firefighters said they believe the fire started inside the garage and the people inside — a husband and wife — were able to get out of the house safely on their own.

“There were flames coming up above the garage and over the chimney and everything,” said neighbor Josh Enoch.

Lehi Fire tells us the home is a total loss.

Says they’re confident the fire started in the garage.

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Enoch said most everyone knows each other in this neighborhood cul-de-sac.

Lehi Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Smith said the two-story home is a complete loss due to the fire.

“Garage was open. We had fire in the garage active and coming out of the backside of the roof…the fire ran across the whole attic. We had a total roof collapse,” Smith said.

Smith said the flames and fire moved quickly and progressed a lot faster than they thought, which forced them to change how they fought the fire.

“The fire did puncture through the back corner of the roof. And then, as we were on scene, began our operations, we started an offensive strategy by sending people in and then the roof started collapsing in the garage. And so, we pulled everybody out into a defensive operation,” Smith said.

Smith said there were concerns for the next-door neighbors. Out of caution, they had them evacuate Thursday morning and stay outside for some time. As far as they know, no damage was done to the homes closest to the one impacted.