SALT LAKE CITY — A 4-alarm fire broke out in the Sugar House neighborhood overnight, leading to evacuation orders for hundreds of residents in the area.
WATCH: Residents inside Sugar House apartments to be kept out of homes
The building on fire, which was a multi-story apartment complex under construction, is located at 1040 East 2200 South in Salt Lake City. Demolition of the remaining structure will take place Wednesday night.
Crews were at the scene since just after midnight to try and extinguish the blaze.
WATCH: Residents speak to FOX 13 News about what they saw and heard before being evacuated
Adding to the complexity of fighting the fire was that crews were not allowed inside the building for safety reasons.
"Strictly because it's under construction we aren't able to get people inside of that building," explained Capt. Tony Stowe with Salt Lake City Fire. "It had been free burning for quite some time."
Police and fire crews say there is a possibility the building will collapse, so a "collapse zone" has been set up and people are being asked to stay away.
"Most everything has been falling inwards," Capt. Stowe explained.
Several explosions were heard and seen as the fire burned, Stowe said. Those explosions may have been caused by propane cylinders and heaters that construction workers were using during the project.
WATCH: Red Cross speaks to FOX 13 News about resources in place for evacuees
Stowe said it's still too early to determine a cause for this fire.
An entire apartment building located just to the north of the fire was evacuated as crews work to keep the fire from spreading.
An evacuation shelter was originally set up at Forest Dale Golf Course, but is now at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 2005 South 900 East.
Fire officials say select units at the Sugarmont Apartments and Vue Apartments will remain evacuated until demolition is completed. Residents who need to retrieve belongings are meeting with building management and the Salt Lake City Police Department.
“If you're one of the residents in the area, we ask that you be patient," urged Stowe. "It is going to take a while; we are addressing the issues that they are experiencing. Crews are working tirelessly to try to get them back in their units.”
Some have already had a chance to get back home, at least for a few minutes to grab items.
“I got some cat stuff, a toothbrush, and went to a motel, so this is my first time back," explained resident Molly Smith. "I was able to go inside and grab some stuff. I can’t sleep there tonight, but my apartment looked fine. so I think we’ll be able to get back in there pretty soon.”
The American Red Cross explained they had about 40 people utilizing the evacuation center, but many more chose to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.
Road closures in the Sugar House area will be in place for several hours Wednesday. Specifically, 900 East between 2100 South and 2200 South will be closed as crews continue to work at the site.
In addition, Highland drive is closed between 2100 South and 2200 South.
The Sprague Library Branch will be closed Wednesday due to smoke.
Residents and community members that observe debris that has landed on their property are asked to practice caution prior to handling any objects.
Smoke from the fire can be seen throughout Salt Lake City. Officials are asking that residents do not call 911 to report the smoke in the area unless they can see flames.
