Commercial structure caught fire in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY — Cleanup efforts began on Monday following a fire at an abandoned downtown building.

Over 50 firefighters responded to the fire on Sunday, located at 356 W. 700 South, according to Salt Lake City Fire Capt. Matthew Wilson. No injuries were reported.

The building consisted of several structures and additions built over time, according to Wilson. Because of how the building was constructed, firefighters took a defensive approach and worked outside the structure because of safety risks. Hidden spaces made it difficult for crews to fight the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby buildings.

"The building is a mixture of add-ons over time," Wilson said on Sunday. "That ends up creating void spaces that can make it hard to reach the fire if they're tucked inside below the roof or in some of these other void spaces created by these aftermarket additions."

Power lines in the area created an issue as ladders went up to fight the fire from above.

Crews also partially evacuated a nearby apartment building as a precaution. Traffic was also impacted in the area, according to Wilson.

By Monday morning, crews were seen cleaning up the area where the fire was located; however, it was not known whether evacuees were allowed to return home.

"We appreciate everybody keeping a respectful distance, staying out of the way of the responders, and we'll get this cleaned up as soon as we can," Wilson said on Sunday. "Make sure to stay out of the smoke as well. That's always a concern. You never know what's burning in these buildings."

Investigators were investigating the cause of the fire.

Contributing: Madi Vollmer

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