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WEST JORDAN — An early morning fire in a vacant home that shut down a portion of Redwood Road on Tuesday was intentionally set, said West Jordan Deputy Fire Chief Reed Scharman.
The fire was believed to have been set between 4:30 a.m. and 4:40 a.m. at an empty home near 8600 South and Redwood Road. Two lanes on Redwood Road were closed for a few hours while firefighters battled the blaze.
The first arriving fire crews found flames on the roof of the house, which was immediately a clue that the incident was suspicious because the structure had not had gas, utilities or power connected to it since 2011, Scharman said.
It appeared as if the home was going through some renovations at the time of the fire, said West Jordan Fire Battalion Chief Duane Paxton.
Further details on why the fire was believed to be intentionally set were not immediately released. Arson dogs used to sniff for the presence of accelerants were brought to the scene earlier in the day.
Investigators said there had not been any recent evidence of possible squatters, and police had not been notified of any such problems. Authorities were also still investigating Tuesday afternoon who owned the property.
A damage estimate was not immediately available.
Fire investigators are encouraging anyone who may have seen a person, vehicle or even a bicycle near the house between 4:30 a.m. and 4:40 a.m. Tuesday to call 801-840-4000.
Contributing: Shara Park
