Crews mobilize quickly to ‘knock down’ house fire in Washington City

WASHINGTON CITY —An active fire alarm could be heard outside a residence in Washington City Monday afternoon after a fire started in a back bedroom.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., emergency personnel were called to a house fire in Washington City at the intersection of 2500 South and 450 West.

Capt. Mike Harris with the Washington City Fire Department said one occupant was inside the home at the time of the fire. The individual was checked for smoke inhalation by Gold Cross Ambulance.

Firefighters Mike White and Russel Nield were first on the scene and extinguished the fire. While the exact cause is under investigation, Harris confirmed the fire originated in a back bedroom.

“There was a pretty quick knock-down,” Harris said about dousing the fire.

Also responding were Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue, Washington City Police Department and Washington City Code Enforcement.

Around 12:35 p.m., water flooded the 2500 South and 450 West intersection, a result of fire hoses used to extinguish the flames.

As for preventing house fires, Harris said the best line of defense is smoke detectors. To ensure they work properly, he recommends changing all detector batteries twice a year around the time clocks are adjusted to reflect the time change.

He also suggests keeping an active eye on space heaters and candles, which are major culprits.

As the state gears up to celebrate Labor Day with festivities and barbecues, the National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning grills that may not have been cleaned since the beginning of summer, and ensuring grills are a safe distance from anything that may catch fire.

The association’s 2023 Fire Prevention Week campaign, Oct. 8-14, focuses on cooking safety and educates how simple, yet important actions can keep everyone safe.

This report is based on statements from first responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

Photo Gallery

The Washington City Fire Department responds to a house fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

A home in Washington City, Utah, is evacuated after a back bedroom catches fire, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Fire crew work to secure a home after a fire is reported in the back of a house in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Police vehicles are used to block the street, stopping cars from driving onto the scene of a fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

First responders work to secure a home after a fire is reported in the back of a house in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Fire crew set down their equipment while cooling off from the heat of the fire and outdoor temperatures, Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The Washington City Fire Department responds to a house fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

First responders work to secure a home after a fire is reported in the back of a house in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The Coral Canyon Fire Department responds to a house fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Fire crews work together to extinguish a fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The Coral Canyon Fire Department responds to a house fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

First responders work to secure a home after a fire is reported in the back of a house in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The Coral Canyon Fire Department responds to a house fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

A home in Washington City, Utah, is evacuated after a back bedroom catches fire, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The Washington City Fire Department responds to a house fire in Washington City, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

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WASHINGTON CITY —