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WEST VALLEY CITY — Fire destroyed a mobile home in West Valley Wednesday morning, leaving a family of three homeless just a day before Thanksgiving.
The fire at the West Crest Mobile Home Park, near 4000 West and 3500 South, gutted one home and damaged a second. A total of five mobile homes were evacuated due to fears that the flames would spread.
"What I was amazed at was how fast this thing burned," said Thomas Willden who witnessed the fire.
Two women and a child escaped the main home that burned. The fire is believed to have started in an attached carport. The cause of the fire was still being investigated Wednesday.
West Valley Fire Chief John Evans said two families would likely not be allowed to return to their mobile homes because of the damage, which was estimated to be between $75,000 and $100,000.
"Anytime it's tough, but during the holidays it's especially tough. You feel for the people. You feel for the families. So it's tough this time of year," he said.
The trio that escaped the main home that burned were checked by paramedics at the scene but not taken to a hospital.
Traffic was diverted during the morning commute as 3500 South was shut down in both directions while crews battled the flames.
Contributing: Shara Park