Several business owners in West Valley City are dealing with the aftermath of a serious fire that occurred on Thursday. Fire officials reported that four businesses were a total loss, while another suffered extensive water damage. The incident took place at a shopping center near 4700 S and 4000 W, with fire officials initially stating that two businesses were impacted. West Valley City Fire Chief John Evans estimated the damage to the shopping center to be close to $2,000,000, with all four businesses’ roofs collapsing.
It took around 60 firefighters from across the valley several hours to extinguish the fire. Chief Evans explained that even after the main part of the fire was out, they had to continue pouring water due to the roof deck collapsing. He mentioned the challenges posed by the hot weather on the day of the fire, with temperatures in the 90s causing exhaustion among the firefighters.
One of the businesses that suffered a total loss was Vickey’s Peruvian Restaurant, owned by Victoria Palomino Leon. She expressed her devastation upon seeing her dream destroyed and her small business ruined. Despite the loss, Leon was grateful that all her employees were able to evacuate safely. The restaurant had only been open for two years, and now Leon and her employees are without work.
Although a firefighter suffered a shoulder injury during the fire, Chief Evans confirmed that the firefighter had been treated and released from the hospital. Luckily, no one else was seriously injured in the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, leaving the affected business owners to come to terms with their losses and try to move forward.