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Debbie Dujanovic reporting It was a long night for a few downtown Salt Lake residents after a two-alarm fire rips through a downtown business overnight. And it all started with a car fire.
The blaze began in an automobile parked behind one of the buildings on 50 South 800 West. But it quickly spread.
By the time fire crews arrived on the scene, shortly after 2am, flames had engulfed several cars on the compound and spread throughout a nearby warehouse.
It was also threatening a nearby youth hostel. The fire department evacuated about 28 people, and called in city buses to keep them warm.
Trains running nearby were stopped while fire fighters battled the blaze. It took them around 25 minutes to knock down the fire.
After the flames were under control, those staying in the hostel were allowed back inside.
Red Cross services were called out to help -- but were not needed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
