SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Fire investigators are trying to find out what caused a 2-alarm fire that forced people in 5 apartments out of their homes on Sunday.
It happened around 2 a.m. on the third floor of the Georgia Apartments at 2015 S. and 200 E. in Salt Lake City.
Spokesman for the Salt Lake City Fire Department Jasen Asay says they upgraded to a 2-alarm fire because they knew lots of people were outside.
“When our crews arrived they found heavy fire conditions in one of the apartment units, we evacuated a part of the building, the rest of the building the occupants were asked to shelter in place,” Asay said.
At one point, firefighters say a man jumped from the building.
“We had the report of one occupant jumping from a second-floor window,” Asay said. “Our medics evaluated and treated that occupant on scene and he was not transported to the hospital.”
When crews arrived they quickly contained the fire to one unit on the third floor.
Asay said the fire was under control within 20 minutes, and didn’t spread to other units because the building is made of non-combustible materials.
People on the north side of the building were told to shelter in place, since the fire wasn’t spreading, but people in 5 units on the south side of the building were forced out because of smoke and water damage.
A total of 8 people were forced out, and the three who didn’t have alternative housing are being assisted by the Utah Red Cross, according to Asay.
