CRIME

Four fires near downtown Salt Lake City prompts an arson investigation

Apr 23, 2024, 7:58 PM | Updated: 8:48 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Fire investigators are looking for someone suspected of starting several fires in the downtown area early Tuesday morning.

The four incidents happened near downtown Salt Lake City, along 100 South, between 500 and 700 East. One of the fires was Winnie Quilter’s dad’s 1982 BMW 320I.

“He always said next to me, this is his pride and joy,” Quilter said. “It was just sentimental; I was going to restore it one day.”

But her dad’s dream went up in flames around 3 a.m.

“Somebody torched the car,” Quilter said. “It was kind of nuts because if you look at the inside of it, it looks like it exploded, but the cars next to it weren’t damaged.”

The inside of Quilter's dad's destroyed BMW.

The interior of Quilter’s dad’s destroyed BMW. (KSL TV)

The car was parked in the lot next to her dad’s condo on 600 East. It is a total loss, but other fires damaged more things.

“A couple of other fences and dumpsters got burned, but nothing bigger than this,” Quilter said.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department is investigating four fires, including two dumpster fires on 544 East and 700 East and a fence fire behind a church near 630 East. Fire officials said they received calls about the fires within a 30-minute window. The sequential order of events remains under investigation.

“This could always be a lot worse,” Capt. Brandt Hancuff, spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Fire Department, said. “With a fence fire, you can see where that can climb up a pole or spread along the fence to structures next to it. That’s where our rapid response was crucial.”

But everyone is grateful no one was injured.

“It is a bummer, but you know, it’s just things,” Quilter said.

Firefighters are asking anyone with information or ring footage to call 801-799-FIRE and ask for the Fire Prevention Bureau.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several p...

Diana Jones

Multi-department car chase leads to capture of fugitive

ELWOOD, Utah — On Wednesday, a probation fugitive fled from police in a high-speed car chase that involved multiple police departments. At approximately 12:45 p.m., Weber County Adult Probation and Parole received a tip on the location of 24-year-old Brandler Stone. How he became a wanted person In Aug. 2024, Stone was sentenced to serve up […]

18 hours ago

squad car SLCPD...

Michael Houck

Convicted felon accused of kidnapping and threatening a security guard

A man is being accused of threatening a security guard with a broken shard of glass and demanding he take him to a gas station.

22 hours ago

Neil Gaiman arrives at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala on Jan. 6, 2024, at The Wiltern Theater in Lo...

TODD RICHMOND

Woman’s lawsuits say sci-fi author Neil Gaiman repeatedly sexually assaulted her

A woman from New Zealand has filed three civil lawsuits accusing best-selling British author Neil Gaiman of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was working as his family’s babysitter and nanny.

2 days ago

Police at the scene of an incident at Risbergska School, in Örebro, Sweden, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025....

STEFANIE DAZIO

10 killed at adult education center, officials say it’s Sweden’s worst mass shooting

About 10 people, including the gunman, were killed on Tuesday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s worst mass shooting.

2 days ago

The Buckhorn Draw Pictograph Panel within the San Rafael Swell was vandalized in January, as the Bu...

Alton Barnhart

BLM seeks information about vandalized Buckhorn Draw petroglyphs

The Buckhorn Draw Pictograph Panel within the San Rafael Swell was vandalized in January, as the Bureau of Land Management sought answers. 

2 days ago

Security footage of a man walking away with a rifle in a Moab parking lot....

Michael Houck

Man steals rifle from unlocked car in Moab parking lot, police say

Police are warning gun owners to secure their firearms after a man wandered off with a rifle from an unlocked car Sunday night. 

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Four fires near downtown Salt Lake City prompts an arson investigation