Downtown Salt Lake City fire causes $5M in damages, 3 firefighters injured

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Five businesses have been destroyed after a structure fire in downtown Salt Lake City ignited Monday night.

Karl Lieb, Salt Lake City Fire Chief said they responded to a cooking fire that started at London belle, a restaurant located near 321 South Main Street. On arrival, crews found smoke and fire between the ceiling and the roof.

About 78 firefighters then responded to the scene along with 20 fire apparatus. Crews estimate that the fire has caused nearly $5 million in damages.

Three firefighters suffered minor injuries and no civilians were injured during the fire.

Officials say if you are in the area, stay inside your home, close all your doors and windows and maybe even turn off our HVAC. “Shifting winds are making smoke conditions unpredictable and potentially hazardous,” Salt Lake City Fire Department posted on social media.

Road closures are in place at 300 South and Main westbound and 300 South at West temple eastbound.

Mayor offers support

Mayor Erin Mendenhall (D-Salt Lake City) said she was grateful that there is minimal damage to the surrounding areas. She said that the city has an emergency loan fund that they will be using to help business owners impacted due to the fire.

“Our economic development team will be getting in touch with the owners and will be working with them to get no-interest loans to help them cover the costs,” Mendenhall said.

Mendenhall also said the city will step up to help all those whose jobs have been impacted due to the fire.

Business owners react

Peter Marshall, Owner, Utah Books Magazine said he has been a business owner on the block for 39 years and been in business for 109 years. “I am very relieved. Yes, when firefighters had to cut open the door, it did make me sad but we have had no water fire damage to the store.”

Marshall said they will be open for business as soon as power is restored in the area. According to Rockey Mountain Power, over a 1,000 customers are out of power in the area as of 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Power has since been restored.

Dee Brewer, Executive Director with the Downtown Salt Lake City Alliance said the businesses affected are an important part of the hospitality and entertainment offering in the city. “Sometimes we focus on the big ones like the Delta Center and the Eccles Theatre. But what the small businesses do each day is an important part of what the locals and visitors experience. They shape people’s ideas of Salt Lake City,” Brewer said.

“I believe all of the buildings that were damaged were restaurants,” Brewer confirmed. “These businesses will rebuild. They are an important part of what is happening downtown. Re-establishing these things is going to take a minute, but they are an important part of the larger downtown economy.”