Juveniles accused of setting fire in abandoned home in West Valley, investigation underway

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A house fire is under investigation in West Valley City after the fire department responded to a call of juveniles allegedly setting a fire in an abandoned home.

According to the West Valley City Fire Department, around 5:13 p.m., dispatch received a call from a concerned neighbor about seeing juveniles run from a home that reportedly had smoke coming from it. After units were dispatched to the area of 4000 South and 6000 West, WVCFD found smoke coming from the basement.

Fire officials said the home has been scheduled for demolition for some time now to make room for new homes. WVCFD reported to ABC4.com that the house is abandoned and has been an issue for “deviants” showing up around the home and occupying it. The home has broken-out windows and other ports of entry that allow for easy access, according to officials.

When the fire department entered the basement, they found scrap wood and old doors that had been piled into the center of the room, and allegedly had been set on fire.

According to WVCFD, the fire did not appear to be made for a practical purpose. The fire was quickly put out by the fire department, who reported that, due to the state of the home, not much damage had been caused.

The incident is currently under investigation, and the fire department is gathering information to see if the juveniles can be identified. They have asked anyone with information to contact dispatch at 801-840-4000.