Salt Lake City fire official on leave after accusations of sex abuse

Jan 29, 2025, 4:20 PM | Updated: 10:38 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City Fire Department captain has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He is facing felony charges of the forcible sexual abuse of two female victims.

The fire department reports that the captain, Chris Burk, is on administrative leave.

Burk was arrested in Sandy, Utah, where the alleged crimes took place.

“(Burk) was picked up this morning on that warrant where he was booked into jail,” Sgt. Greg Moffit with the Sandy City Police Department, said. “That warrant was for seven counts of 2nd degree felonies forcible sexual abuse.”

The Sandy Police Department told KSL they were first notified of a possible problem with Burk in late December 2024. They have been investigating ever since, and the investigation is ongoing.

Moffit told KSL TV there are two separate cases. He said one was in December, and the other in early January.

Police said they believe there could be more victims.

“If you had any contact with Mr. Burk or any affiliation, and you felt there was any inappropriate moments, we would like to hear from you,” Moffitt said.

A portion of a statement statement from Salt Lake City Fire reads as follows:

While the investigation is ongoing, the firefighter in question has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining the public trust and upholding the values of accountability and transparency.


This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

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. 

48 minutes ago

(KSL TV)...

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.

1 hour ago

FILE — A Salt Lake City Police Department squad car. (KSL TV)...

Kennedy Camarena

Man arrested after alleged fight while on probation

A 39-year-old man was arrested on Friday after an alleged fight broke out on Thursday.

5 hours ago

A construction site fire caused power outages throughout Provo City on Saturday....

Kennedy Camarena

Construction site fire causes power outages in Provo

A construction site fire burning in Provo on Saturday caused a power outage throughout the city.

8 hours ago

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

18 hours ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Matt Rourke, Associated Press) FILE: police lights. On...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

18 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.

Salt Lake City fire official on leave after accusations of sex abuse