UPDATE: Developers are set to resume construction on the Alta Vista development in Lehi, Utah, after a devastating fire destroyed multiple structures on November 9. Wood Partners announced plans to restart work once damage assessments are completed and investigations by local authorities conclude.
The fire, which ignited just after 10 a.m., sent shockwaves through the community as flames engulfed the site intended for over 300 multifamily housing units. Nearby residents described a horrifying scene. “My daughter screamed at me, ‘Mom, look out the window!’” said Juli Beckwith, a local resident. “I look out the window, and I see towering piles of smoke. It was really scary.”
In the aftermath of the fire, Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft confirmed that the investigation into the cause is ongoing. Although the origin of the fire has been determined, the specific cause remains unknown, with authorities not ruling out arson. “It’s currently classified as an undetermined fire,” Craft stated, emphasizing the complexity of the incident. “We know where the fire started, but we don’t know how it started.”
Residents like Matthew Beckwith expressed their concerns about safety, hoping that a resolution will come once the investigation reveals the root cause. “I just think once they find the cause, they can address the resolution,” he remarked, highlighting the community’s anxiety over potential future incidents.
Wood Partners is actively collaborating with local officials to navigate the cleanup and recovery processes. They have committed to resuming construction on the 304-unit project as soon as feasible, though an updated timeline for restarting work has yet to be announced.
The incident not only raises questions about safety protocols in construction but also poses challenges to the community’s housing development plans. As the investigation continues, the urgency for clarity and safety in residential construction grows.
Authorities are working diligently to ensure that the area is safe for future development. The community is left awaiting answers, with the hope that the investigation will yield results that prevent future disasters.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
