Lehi fire disaster: Massive blaze engulfs apartment complex under construction in Utah’s Traverse Mountain
A towering inferno broke out early Sunday morning in the Traverse Mountain area of Lehi, Utah, engulfing an apartment complex still under construction and lighting up the skies across Utah County. The fire, which could be seen from miles away, erupted near the Point of the Mountain, sending massive plumes of black smoke billowing across Interstate 15.
The first emergency calls came in around 10:15 a.m., prompting an urgent, multi-agency response. Within minutes, about 100 firefighters from across northern Utah — including Draper, Orem, and American Fork — raced to the scene. Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft confirmed that more than 28 fire units responded, battling fierce winds and explosive flames that tore through several buildings at once.
Witnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic.” One resident, Noah Clark, said he was driving nearby when he spotted the flames towering above the skyline. “The smoke just stretched across the sky — you could feel the heat from a distance,” he recounted.
Fire crews worked for several hours to contain the blaze, which consumed at least three structures — two apartment buildings and a clubhouse — all part of a planned 304-unit high-density residential development known as Alta Vista. Officials estimated that over 30,000 gallons of water per minute were used at the height of firefighting efforts.
By 12:30 p.m., the flames had been largely subdued, though smoke continued to rise from smoldering debris. Much of the four-story structure had collapsed, and two nearby cranes were left dangerously unstable due to heat exposure. “Safety is our top concern,” Chief Craft said. “We’re not sending anyone into an area where the cranes might fall. There’s no life threat, and we won’t create one.”
Investigators have yet to determine what sparked the fire, though Craft confirmed that arson specialists and scent-trained dogs will assist once the site cools enough for safe entry. The process could take several days as crews sift through tons of rubble and fire debris to locate the exact point of origin.
James Wilson, the senior superintendent overseeing the Alta Vista project, said the fire’s sudden spread was baffling. “Our site has round-the-clock security and cameras,” he said. “There were no heat sources nearby, and everything looked fine just moments before the flames erupted.”
No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed that no one was inside the unfinished buildings. City authorities have urged residents to avoid the northern section of Traverse Mountain, including Flight Park Road and nearby walking trails, as crews continue to cool hot spots and secure the site.
For now, the once-promising apartment complex stands as a blackened shell — a reminder of how quickly a project months in the making can be reduced to ashes within hours.
FAQ Section
Q1: Was anyone hurt in the Lehi apartment fire?
No. Fire officials confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities.
Q2: What caused the fire?
The cause remains under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of arson.
Q3: How many buildings were affected?
Three major structures — two apartment buildings and a clubhouse — were destroyed.
Q4: Is the fire completely out?
It has been contained, but firefighters are still monitoring hot spots.
Q5: What is the Alta Vista project?
Alta Vista is a 304-unit apartment development under construction in Lehi’s Traverse Mountain area.