SALT LAKE CITY — Many residents living next to the site of the Sugar House Fire are back in their apartments. But a handful of businesses are still closed, and it could take time before they can reopen.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department tweeted Sunday that businesses on the West side of Highland Drive, south of Standard Optical will remain closed until further notice.

Sugar House update #7
Effective immediately: residential evacuations have been lifted. Residents of the VUE and Sugarmont apartments may return to their units. Leave tags on door, to be removed tomorrow.
Business closures in effect will remain in place until further notice.

— Salt Lake City Fire Department (@slcfire) October 30, 2022

The closure affects businesses like Buffalo Wild Wings, Cold Stone Creamery, Cubby’s and a handful of other companies.

 “It has been devastating,” said Erika Wiggins, co-chair of the Sugar House Chamber of Commerce, when asked about the fire’s impact on business. 

Wiggins said she spoke to a representative for Real Advantage Title Insurance Agency, who told her that it could be weeks before disaster clean-up crews can start work.

Sugar House fire evacuees share their stories

Wiggins said flooding was still an issue for the business days after the fire originally broke out.

“There was a flare-up and [firefighters] had to put even more water on it,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins also said the businesses that are open are dealing with less available parking since a lot of it is still blocked off by demolition crews.

Many businesses are open again in the area. Those include Zions Bank, all businesses on the East side of Highland Drive, and those north of Standard Optical.

Wiggins said there are other places to park for those who are wanting to shop or eat at the businesses that are open right now. She said McClelland Street, the South end of the Granite Furniture building, and Whole Foods are options for those who want to shop at nearby businesses. 

“They could really use community support right now,” Wiggins said.

Our previous reporting:

• Sugar House apartment building evacuated as nearby construction site burns
• Some Sugar House residents unable to move back in as fire continues to smolder
• Sugar House fire residential evacuations lifted