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MIDVALE — Hal Meyers was taking advantage of an American Thanksgiving Day tradition — watching football on TV Thursday — when he had to quickly evacuate his condominium.
"I heard some yelling and Shirley, my girlfriend, told me, 'get out, get out,'" he said. "There was just smoke billowing all over and I just grabbed what I could."
Several people were evacuated from the eight-unit building, near 700 East and 6900 South, while Unified Fire Authority officials worked to extinguish the flames. The fire is believed to have started in a bedroom of a second- story unit at about 10:30 a.m., according to UFA Capt. Cliff Burningham.
Firefighters rescued a cat from one of the affected units and the cat was taken to a nearby animal clinic for treatment.
"They've actually been performing some life-saving measures on the cat," Burningham said.
Smoke, fire and water badly damaged at least two units, leaving Meyers and another tenant homeless for the holiday. However, no one was hurt and extended family members and the local chapter of the American Red Cross have stepped up to help the displaced occupants in the meantime.
"I've never experienced anything like this in my life and I'm just thankful everybody got out safe," Meyers said. "On Thanksgiving Day, to be alive at this time."
Burningham said the fire may have been caused by an electrical source, however the incident remains under investigation. He said damages total around $100,000. Fortunately water damage was limited below the fire because the first level of the building serves as a concrete parking garage.
The fire serves as a good reminder for everyone to ensure that smoke detectors in their own homes are working, Burningham said. Newer construction homes are required to have a smoke detector in every bedroom.
Contributing: Sandra Yi
Email:wleonard@ksl.com
