Holladay house fire that injured 8 was started by child playing with lighter, fire officials say

HOLLADAY, Utah — The house fire that injured eight people in Holladay on Thursday was started by a minor playing with a lighter, the Unified Fire Department said.

 

The house fire started Thursday afternoon at a home near S 2075 E.  

Unified Fire spokesman Benjamin Porter said during a press conference that the fire injured two residents, one firefighter, and five police officers. Porter said some people were taken to the hospital but most were treated on scene.

“There is a mix of injuries. We do have a lot of smoke inhalation and we do have other injuries.”

Police units arrived just before firefighters did, Porter said.

When we arrive on a scene like this and we have local knowledge that tells us there’s a victim inside, we live by a motto that we’re going to risk a lot to save a lot. If there’s a potential life to be saved … we’re going to do everything we can to try and change that outcome for somebody.”

Porter said this was a four-alarm fire, that the home is uninhabitable and would likely be a total loss.

The Holladay fire displaced the two adults and two children who lived in the home, as well as three adults and one child from the adjoining unit.

The American Red Cross released a statement on how they are assisting affected families:

Our team has addressed the immediate needs of the affected family, providing essential items such as clothing and food, replacing prescription medications, and securing safe accommodations. The Red Cross is committed to ongoing support, and in the coming days and weeks, we will continue to assist and connect affected residents with relevant community resources. — Keith Paul, Regional Communications Director of the American Red Cross in the Utah/Nevada region

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