‘Very traumatic’: Family escapes safely after fire overtakes garage

WASHINGTON CITY — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire in Washington City Sunday night. While the flames blackened the home’s garage, the residents and their dog exited safely.

The scene of a garage fire at 2741 East Cross Point Drive, Washington City, Utah, July 31, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

At approximately 7:50 p.m., the Washington City Fire Department received several calls reporting smoke across the valley at 2741 East Cross Point Drive, Washington City Fire Captain Julio Reyes said. Firefighters were on the scene eight minutes later.

The blaze reportedly started in the garage and the home’s owner, Terry Steelman said that she, her husband, son and the family dog were all inside the house at the time.

Steelman had just returned home from walking the dog and entered the home through the garage when her husband saw what he thought was a dust storm, she said. Steelman went to close the garage door when she saw the flames and shut the door separating the garage from the house’s living area.

“It’s very traumatic when you look at your house and it’s in flames,” she said.

She said they “feel blessed” that the family could exit the structure safely, including the dog, who was lifted over a wall in the yard.

“Man, we’re just very fortunate,” Steelman said. “Everyone’s fine and then we had such good support from the community.”

The scene of a garage fire at 2741 East Cross Point Drive, Washington City, Utah, July 31, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Closing the door to the garage prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the house, said Reyes, adding that while the bulk of the damage was contained in the garage and attic, the living area of the home did sustain some smoke and water damage.

The family heard explosions in the garage they thought might have come from their trucks’ gas tanks, Steelman said.

Reyes said that tires, propane tanks or chemicals stored in the garage also could explain the cause of the sound.

Multiple fire agencies from across the county responded Steelman said, including Hurricane Fire Valley Fire District and the St. George Fire Department.

“We want to stress what amazing firefighters we have in our community,” she said. ” They were … here within 10 minutes and they had it out within seven minutes. That’s incredible. And they risk their lives every day to help us.”

No injuries to residents or responders were reported and damage outside of the home was limited, Reyes said. Shrubbery was burned, a garden hose was melted and the driveway was damaged.

The scene of a garage fire at 2741 East Cross Point Drive, Washington City, Utah, July 31, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Five fire engines were at the scene, with about 15 personnel working, Reyes said. However, the departments used the resources from a single engine so others would remain available for incoming calls.

The scene was cleared at approximately 11:16 p.m., but the department continued to check for smoldering every two hours to prevent the fire from restarting, Reyes said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Reyes said they pinpointed the start point near a truck stored in the garage, but several possible causes within that area are under consideration.

The Washington Police Department also responded to the call.

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