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Man suffers burns in house fire; investigators say teen admitted to starting blaze

Posted at 7:36 AM, Jan 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-15 19:08:02-05

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - A man is recovering from burns on his hands and feet after his home caught fire Friday morning, and authorities said a teenage girl living in the home admitted to sparking the blaze.

Firefighters were called to the home near 38th S. and 2200 W. at about 3 a.m.

Before they arrived, officers and neighbors rushed in to get everyone out of the home.

Authorities said they were told a 15-year-old girl was still in the house because no one could find her.

However, she was located a short distance away at a relative's home and was not injured.

The teen later admitted to starting the fire in her bedroom and said she panicked and ran afterward. While apparently human-caused, investigators said it's not clear if the fire was set intentionally or by accident.

The Red Cross is helping the seven people now left without a home.

Officials estimate the damage at about $100,000.