CEDAR CITY — Cedar City firefighters dispatched to a structure fire were unable to save the home and its contents Friday afternoon when strong winds helped fan the blaze.
Cedar City Police Chief Darin Adams said the 2:55 p.m. call quickly sent officers and fire crews to the two-story, 3-car garage home located at 2169 N. 975 East in Cedar City.
“Officer (Travis) Carter arrived first and ensured nobody was in the home,” Adams said. “The gas and power was turned off immediately and the fire department was soon on scene after that and began to battle the fire.”
Cedar City Fire Chief Mike Phillips said when fire crews arrived flames were already shooting through the roof.
“It appeared the fire had been burning for a while when the owner (of the home) discovered it,” Phillips said.
A short-lived rainstorm dropped moisture, but that did little to stem the fire’s progress, Adams said.
“Then the wind came through and did the damage you see now. We’re just trying to knock this down and then we can determine the cause,” he added.
Nobody was injured in the fire, although it was unclear at press time whether two dogs that lived at the home escaped unharmed. Once the scene is secured, an investigation can safely be launched into the cause of the fire, Phillips said.
A truck parked alongside the driveway appeared blackened by flames while another vehicle in the home’s driveway at the base of the burnt out garage was being saturated with water. The home was declared a total loss.
Cedar City Fire firefighters fought the blaze with seven engines. Also responding and assisting at the scene were Cedar City Police officers and Gold Cross Ambulance.
There is a bank account set up at Wells Fargo in the name of the Carter Family Fire Fund, account number 9762638022, for those who would like to donate. In addition, anyone interested in helping the family can contact Sharel Whicker at 435 586-0810.
Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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A home located at 2169 N. 975 East in Cedar City was destroyed during an afternoon fire Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, Cedar City, Utah | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News / Cedar City News
A home located at 2169 N. 975 East in Cedar City was destroyed during an afternoon fire Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, Cedar City, Utah | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News / Cedar City News
A home located at 2169 N. 975 East in Cedar City was destroyed during an afternoon fire Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, Cedar City, Utah | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News / Cedar City News
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