A significant fire engulfed an apartment complex that was under construction in the Traverse Mountain area of Lehi, Utah, early on Sunday. The blaze, which could be seen from miles away, occurred near Point of the Mountain along North Windscape Drive by Interstate 15.
The fire destroyed three buildings in the high-density housing development, including two apartment buildings and a clubhouse. James Wilson, the senior superintendent for the “Alta Vista” project, stated that the development was slated to include 304 apartments. He expressed confusion over the cause of the fire, emphasizing that the site was secured with 24/7 surveillance and cameras. Wilson recounted the security guard’s account, who reported no signs of trouble during his rounds until he noticed smoke and flames upon returning to the site.
The fire department confirmed that the flames have been contained and no injuries have been reported. Nearby homes are no longer considered to be at risk. Fire officials are expected to monitor the area for hot spots throughout the night. An investigation is currently underway to determine the fire’s origin, with Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft indicating that it could take 4-5 days to sift through the rubble. The use of scent-trained dogs is being considered to help detect potential arson.
Additionally, fire damage has left two cranes at the site unstable. Crews plan to bring in a larger crane on Monday to safely dismantle these structures, which will facilitate further access to the site. In the meantime, authorities are advising residents to avoid the north end of Traverse Mountain, including Flight Park Road and nearby walking trails, until further notice.
This incident, while damaging, serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the continuous efforts of firefighters and investigators working to understand what went wrong. Community members are encouraged to stay informed as authorities continue to address the situation.