WEST VALLEY CITY — Terrifying moments unfolded for a couple in West Valley City Tuesday evening when their duplex suddenly went up in flames.
The fire broke out near 2400 South and 1300 West just before 6 p.m. It began in the carport area of the duplex and quickly spread to the house.
“I was scared. I was in fear for my life and my family’s life,” said Jaime Strev, who lives in the home with her boyfriend and their dog, Titus Bull.
“I’m very fortunate because I love my boyfriend and my dog. They are my family,” she said. “I’m thankful that my family is alive and that I’m alive and my neighbors didn’t get hurt.”
Firefighters believe the blaze started in a garbage can and quickly grew. Crews arrived within minutes and were able to prevent the entire duplex from being destroyed.
“With this lightweight construction, it can be pretty fast. It can be in the order of five to 10 minutes, it can be fully involved,” said West Valley Fire Battalion Chief Sean Hoffman.
While Strev’s side of the duplex is now uninhabitable, she’s grateful for what was saved.
“It could have been … worse. I’m just thankful I’m OK,” she said.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire. Residents on the other side of the duplex are able to remain in their home.
