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ROOSEVELT — Investigators say they are unable to determine what caused a fire that destroyed a Roosevelt house and injured two people Sunday, but have classified the fire as accidental.
Roosevelt Fire Chief Lee Rockwood returned to the house near 700 South and 200 East on Monday with investigators from the Utah State Fire Marshal's Office to try to figure out what started the fire. They were able to identify where the fire began, but not what sparked it, Rockwood said.
On Sunday night, Nile and Regina Sprouse told emergency personnel they heard a popping sound coming from their backyard about 9 p.m. and went to investigate. They said they found their back porch in flames.
Rockwood confirmed Monday that the fire began on or around the back porch. It appears the flames spread into the home's interior when the Sprouses opened the back door, the chief said.
The Sprouses were taken to the hospital Sunday night for treatment of minor burns and smoke inhalation, according to Bruce Guymon, the bishop of the couple's LDS ward.
"They got out with only the clothes on they had on," he said.
The family is staying in a relative's house for now, Guymon said. A donation account* has been set up in their name at Zions Bank.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
