Fire that destroyed $3.9M Orem house was arson, investigators say

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OREM — Orem police and fire investigators believe arson is the cause of a massive fire that destroyed a 27,000-square-foot home a week ago.

"At this point in the investigation, from the fire behavior encountered during the firefighting and evidence found on scene, we believe the fire was intentionally started and that its rapid progression throughout the structure was aided," Orem Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Hirst said at a press conference on Thursday.

However, neither police nor fire officials are releasing much else about the investigation, including whether there is evidence that someone broke into the home at 479 E. 1450 North before it caught fire, whether anyone is a suspect, where the fire started, if there were multiple ignition points or if an accelerant such as gasoline was used on the fire.

When asked why investigators believe the cause of the fire is arson, Hirst simply said, "Due to the behavior (of the fire) and evidence collected" while also noting that it was "not normal fire behavior."

About 60% to 70% of the home was already engulfed in flames by the time fire crews arrived, Hirst said. And after a back door was opened by firefighters in an attempt to gain access into the house, the fire "moved extremely fast." Hirst said the investigation will also try to determine how long it was from when the fire was started and when it was reported.

On Thursday, police and fire authorities announced they have completed their evidence gathering at the scene. Hirst said items within the structure and pieces of the structure itself have been sent to the Utah State Crime Lab along with other evidence for analysis.

Orem Police Lt. Jeremy Jamison said police have been in contact with the homeowner who is being cooperative. But he declined to answer questions such as when the last known time the homeowner or anyone was in the house, where the homeowner was on the night of the fire or whether the homeowner is considered a person of interest, only stating that it is still an "active investigation."

Jamison said there was "interaction with residents" at the home over the holidays, but he did not elaborate. The seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom multi-level home has an indoor swimming pool and tennis court which was in use. But otherwise, it was vacant with very few furnishings. Neighbors say it had been vacant for many years.

The home has been in custody of Orem fire and police since the Dec. 26 massive fire. The structure was turned back over to the homeowner and insurance company on Thursday. Hirst did not have a final total dollar loss for the home, only noting that it was listed at $3.9 million and that the home is considered a total loss. He said the burned out remains will be razed.

Members of the Salt Lake City, Provo and Pleasant Grove fire departments assisted with the fighting of the fire and the subsequent investigation, as did an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and even a cadaver K-9 from Salt Lake City was brought to the scene a precaution, but did not find anything.

Anyone with information about the fire, or who may have video from a surveillance or doorbell camera that could provide a clue as to the arsonist's identity, is asked to call Orem police at 801-229-7579.