Large fire in downtown SLC destroys 4 businesses
Aug 11, 2025, 9:45 PM | Updated: Aug 12, 2025, 12:13 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Fire crews responded after a fire broke out at the London Belle Supper Club bar in downtown Salt Lake City Monday night.
The fire erupted on historic Main Street just before 9 p.m. at the bar, near 321 South. The flames and smoke could be seen several stories high by dozens of witnesses on the street.
“This is absolutely crazy,” one of them said, “(because) there are very prominent liquor bars in this stretch, so I was scared the whole block would go into flames.”
As of Tuesday morning, crews were still on scene and several blocks near the area were shut down.
Sixty to 70 firefighters were called on scene in total, which officials said they couldn’t remember the last time that kind of response was required for a building fire in the area.
In a press conference Tuesday morning, Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb said the buildings were occupied at the time of the fire, but noted they were likely less busy than they would have been on a weekend.
At one point, the building collapsed in on itself, adding to the damage the flames brought to four surrounding businesses. Those businesses included Los Tapatios, White Horse, and Whiskey Street, according to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall during a press conference Tuesday.
Officials said the buildings may not have had modern fire suppression systems. All four businesses, plus the bar itself, were destroyed.
Lieb said that five buildings were damaged, and estimated there was $5 million in damages. Eva, another nearby business, sustained smoke and water damage.
Lieb said that when fire crews arrived on scene, it was immediately clear that there was an “issue” between the building’s ceiling and its roof. Lieb said it may have been the reason for the fire’s increased spread to neighboring businesses.
Mendenhall said that firefighters with the South Salt Lake Fire Department, West Valley City Fire Department and Unified Fire Authority battled the flames alongside the Salt Lake City Fire Department.
Fire officials said three firefighters were injured, and at least one was rushed to the hospital during the response. One firefighter sustained a broken ankle, one had dehydration and smoke inhalation, and another sustained minor injuries from falling debris.
Utah Transit Authority said a bus bridge was put in effect between the 600 South and City Center TRAX train stops. On Tuesday morning, the TRAX stops near 600 South were still closed, and UTA suggested transferring to Route 200 on State Street to detour.
Fire crews said the cause of the fire would most likely be under investigation for the following two weeks.
Downtown impact
In a press conference Tuesday morning, Mendenhall called the fire a “tragic loss for Salt Lake City.”
“These are iconic businesses in our downtown core, where so many of us, thousands of us, thousands of visitors come to have a good time, celebrate, connect, and support local business owners,” Mendenhall said.
The fire gutted all four bars and restaurants – a shock to onlookers and other business owners.
“Just… saddening,” said Dustin Bishop, who works nearby.
“This is terrible, this is a draw for everyone here on Main Street on restaurant row, this is terrible,” said Brandon Hargett, owner of Aker.
Those dealing in downtown commerce call it a blow to the epicenter of Salt Lake social life.
“This is ground zero of our entertainment district. There are 220 businesses, merchants, restaurants, and bars that fan out from here. This is a devastating loss,” said Dee Brewer, with the Downtown Alliance.
The loss leaves a gaping hole where the entertainment heart would be.
It’s unclear how soon these businesses may recover. They’re telling the city they want to rebuild and the mayor said she’ll help them expedite that process.
On Tuesday, the Downtown Alliance issued a statement on the fire:
Our hearts are heavy this morning as we reflect on the devastating fire that destroyed beloved businesses in the heart of our Downtown.
We are grateful beyond measure to the Salt Lake City Fire Department, Police Department, and other first responders who acted quickly and bravely to contain the fire, protect surrounding buildings, and ensure that every customer and employee was safely evacuated. We are relieved to know that only one firefighter sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover.
These buildings date back to 1920, and have long been a part of the fabric of Main Street—home to beloved local businesses and gathering places that bring life, culture, and connection to our community. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, we know that the effects will ripple far beyond the walls of the impacted property.
The Downtown Alliance is in contact with the property owners, who have shared with us their intent to rebuild. This commitment gives us hope as we look toward restoring the vitality of this block.
In the days ahead, the Downtown Alliance will work closely with city leaders, business owners, and our community partners to support those affected. We will share information about ways the public can help as soon as those opportunities become clear.
Downtown Salt Lake City has always been defined by its resilience and its people. Together, we will support those impacted, rebuild, and restore the vibrancy of this cherished block.
This is a developing story. It may be updated.
Contributing: Brian Carlson and Carlysle Price, KSL TV
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