A devastating fire broke out in West Valley City on Thursday, leaving several business owners in shock as they pick up the pieces. The incident occurred at a shopping center near 4700 S and 4000 W, impacting two businesses at first. Fire officials reported that four businesses were a total loss, with another experiencing extensive water damage.
The firefight was a challenging one for the firefighters, who had to contend with hot weather and heavy gear while battling the blaze. Despite their efforts, it took several hours for them to fully put out the fire. West Valley City Fire Chief John Evans estimates the total damage to the shopping center at close to $2,000,000, with the roofs of all four affected businesses collapsed and not much left inside.
One of the businesses lost in the fire was Vickey’s Peruvian Restaurant, leaving owner Victoria Palomino Leon devastated. Her business had been open for only two years, and she and her six employees are now without work. However, despite the devastating loss, Leon is grateful that all occupants were able to evacuate safely, with no serious injuries reported. A firefighter did suffer a shoulder injury but was treated and released from the hospital.
As business owners and firefighters work together to rebuild after this tragic incident, investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing. While it will be a long road back for those affected by this disaster, hope remains that life will eventually return to normal once again in West Valley City.
