WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – A family in West Valley City woke up early Thursday morning to find flames right at their doorstep.
The incident occurred at a mobile home park near 2900 South and 2700 West just before 2 a.m.
Homeowner Cindy Selinas said the fire came on a day when they expected to be celebrating.
"It's my husband's birthday, and my daughter was going to do her first communion today,” she said.
A fire broke out in the family’s driveway.
“We heard an explosion, and the house shook a little,” Selinas said. “My husband ran to the living room, when he looked outside he saw our [SUV].”
The vehicle had been parked outside the night before. Battalion Chief Bob Fitzgerald, West Valley City Fire Department, said firefighters were nearby.
“We have a fire station right across the street, as soon as they left they could see the glow,” he said.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, which caused some damage to nearby residences. Flames also reached the interior of the Selinas’ home, but most of the damage was contained to the family’s SUV.
Fitzgerald said the fire is under investigation and they don’t know exactly how it started, but he said they believe the fire originated in the vehicle.
“We don't have an exact cause, whether it was electrical, whether it was or a fuel leak, or whether something else going on, we don't know yet,” he said.
The damages to the Selinas’ family’s property is estimated to be about $100,000. They are working with an insurance company to find a place to stay. Selinas said it’s been a difficult experience for the family.
“I don't know whether to cry. I don't know whether to smile. I don't know, I just feel numb right now,” she said.
