LOCAL NEWS

Negligent use of fireworks to blame for Layton fire that destroyed a home and vehicles

Jul 15, 2024, 7:01 PM | Updated: Jul 17, 2024, 8:34 am

LAYTON —  Investigators say negligence with fireworks resulted in a devastating fire in Layton that destroyed a family’s home, cars and primary source of income.

Three people, two young adults and a juvenile, were taken into custody early Sunday morning about a block from the home after the fire started near Kay’s Creek Trailhead.

“They were brought in for questioning, and during the course of that questioning they did admit that amongst other things they were doing that night, that they were setting off fireworks in that area,” said Layton Fire Department Battalion Chief Jason Cook.

Neighbor Kimberly Mulholland described waking to an explosion Sunday around 1:30 a.m., she quickly realized how serious the fire was as flames climbed her neighbor’s home.

“I was in shock, the whole house was just engulfed in flames,” said Mulholland.

As firefighters arrived on scene, Mulholland called the homeowner who was out of town with her two children.

Everything is lost

“I facetimed her and we sat there and watched as fire engines tried to control it,” Mulholland said. “I told her I just don’t know what to say to you, I just wish I could hug you, because what do you say to someone whose house is burning.”

The fire destroyed most of the home, as well as a vintage car, camper, and trailer. It also destroyed a tow truck parked in the front driveway, which is the homeowner’s primary source of income.

“She lost everything,” Mulholland said. “She lost that revenue too because her tow truck is ruined.”

“I don’t think people realize how devastating it is to people suffering a house fire similar to that,” Cook said. “They spend days, weeks, months, and honestly even years trying to be made whole again.”

Neighbors in the quiet Layton neighborhood have quickly come together to offer support to the impacted woman and her two children, collecting donations and setting up a fundraiser.*

Support of the neighborhood

“The neighborhood has been amazing, the reaction has been overwhelming,” Mulholland said. “We’ve gathered notes of encouragement and love, gift cards, money, whatever we can to help them get by and help them refurnish their home.”

As for the three people accused of starting the fire, Cook said charges are now being filed. He says he expects each person involved to face several misdemeanor charges.

“This moment of lapse of judgment or seemly fun activity really can have catastrophic outcomes for people,” Cook said. “For that family, this is a terrible loss.”


*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.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Skiers compete at the Dear Valley World Cup....

Emma Benson

‘Super Bowl of freestyle’: World’s best skiers compete at Deer Valley World Cup

The Super Bowl may be tomorrow, but they call this the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing.

7 hours ago

Construction work on the Cottage Homes development in Sandy on Dec. 9. A study led by a University ...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Mass deportation negatively impacts housing availability, affordability, jobs, Utah study says

A month before President Donald Trump officially took office on Jan. 20, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reinforced the state's plans to aid the Trump administration in deporting undocumented immigrants living in the country en masse.

8 hours ago

FILE - A snowplow in Little Cottonwood Canyon as the storm hits the road....

Jacob Freeman

7 separate accidents cause delays on I-15 in Lehi

Drivers were experiencing delays Saturday evening after seven separate accidents were reported on Interstate 15 in Lehi.

9 hours ago

People walk through art booths at the Art Market at Millcreek Common on Jan. 24. (Millcreek Common)...

Cassidy Wixcom, KSL.com

‘Connect with community’: Millcreek art show spotlights Wasatch Front-inspired pieces

For Miriam Gutierrez, connecting with other local artists can be an eye-opening experience seeing what people from different areas create.

12 hours ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

14 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Jacob Freeman

One dead after avalanche in Big Cottonwood

One person died after an avalanche in the Silver Fork area of Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday.

14 hours 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.

Negligent use of fireworks to blame for Layton fire that destroyed a home and vehicles