3-story Ogden apartment building a total loss after late-night fire

OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — A three-story apartment building under construction in Ogden caught fire late Friday night, according to Ogden Fire.

At 11:55 p.m. on Aug. 8, fire crews responded to a two-alarm fire on the 100 block of 18th Street. Firefighters arrived to find a three-story apartment building with heavy fire involvement. The building had reportedly been under construction.

Fire crews acted quickly to protect exposed buildings while putting “large amounts of water” on the burning structure, officials said. The building was reportedly surrounded by fire apparatus. Crews were able to get the blaze extinguished within an hour.

“Some timber and brush caught fire due to the immense heat and casts from the structure, fire crews were able to extinguish those fires as well,” a press release from Ogden Fire states. “During this incident a grass fire started on the 700-west block of 17th street, this fire is also under investigation as this may have been embers from the original fire on the 100 block of 18th street.”

A total of 35 firefighters from Ogden City Fire Department, Riverdale Fire Department, Weber Fire District, Washington Terrace Fire, and North View Fire District responded to this incident.

The Ogden Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause and origin of the apartment fire. The building is considered a total loss, officials said. Further evaluation of the exposed structures is being conducted today, Aug. 8.

“We commend the professionalism, coordination, and swift action of all personnel involved,” the release states. “The combined efforts of local fire departments, Ogden Police, and Ogden Public Works were instrumental in managing the incident and preventing further damage.”

This fire reportedly caused an estimated $3 million in damages. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is assisting in this investigation.

No further information is available at this time.