Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Alex Cabrero reporting A fire ripped through two West Jordan businesses this morning, leaving them in shambles.
"It happened so fast. I just didn't think it would devastate it that quick."
Investigators aren't sure exactly what caused the fire, but they do know it was an accident.
The two business owners are wondering what to do next.
Inside the building, located near 80th South and 14th West, is a car body shop and a cabinet shop. The fire began in the cabinet shop, where workers were picking up a delivery right at about the time the fire started.
Dave Johnson, Oak Ridge Cabinet & Design: "I can't imagine how it would've burned that quick."
As many times as he asked himself today, Dave Johnson will probably never get an answer as to why.
Dave Johnson, Oak Ridge Cabinet & Design: "Never had anything like this happen ever. Never a fire."
For 28 years he's owned the Oak Ridge Cabinet and Design shop in West Jordan. In less than in hour, it was gone.
Marc Mcelreath: "It's a 3-alarm fire right now."
Six different fire departments teamed up to knock down the flames. It was so intense, the roof caved in, forcing firefighters to retreat and attack it from just the outside.
Marc Mcelreath: "We've been defensive on this fire from the beginning."
The fire started in Johnson's cabinet shop , which sits right next door to Terry Pilon's car body shop.
Terry Pilon,Terry's Body and Paint: "It's gonna be tough walking in there. That's a lot of years, half of them down the drain right there."
Owners we spoke with say they were covered by fire insurance, but still no money can replace everything that was lost.
Terry Pilon,Terry's Body and Paint: "As long as they can save my computer, that's the main thing right there."
Firefighters tried to get whatever they could out, but had to concentrate on the fire. The fire kept flaring up, giving them problems and leaving those who worked in the building feeling helpless.
Lisa Madsen, Oak Ridge Cabinet & Design: "It's sick. It's a total loss. A total loss."
Eventually, crews put the fire out. But the damage was already done.
Dave Johnson, Oak Ridge Cabinet & Design: "Just hopefully, we can recover and rebuild it, and take care of the customers."
Both owners plan on rebuilding, but know it'll take time.
