It started with a low rumble, something that many residents thought was thunder. But within seconds, orange light filled the sky above Utah County, Utah. A massive building had caught fire — and within minutes, the blaze grew into one of the largest the area has seen this year.
Video shared by residents shows flames shooting several stories high, swallowing the structure as thick clouds of smoke rolled across the skyline. The fire could be seen from miles away, prompting hundreds of calls to emergency services as panicked neighbors evacuated nearby homes.
“It felt like an explosion,” one witness said. “We saw sparks flying everywhere. The whole street lit up — people just ran.”
Multiple fire departments responded, including crews from Provo, Spanish Fork, and Lehi. Firefighters battled strong winds that fanned the flames and made containment nearly impossible during the first hours. As the fire raged, power lines crackled, and debris rained down onto nearby vehicles.
Authorities quickly established a perimeter around the scene, urging drivers to stay away. “This is an active fire zone,” officials announced on the county’s emergency channel. “Please avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely.”
While the building’s identity has not been officially confirmed, early reports suggest it may have been a storage or manufacturing facility located off Highway 89. Investigators have not ruled out electrical malfunction or human error as possible causes.
Residents living in nearby neighborhoods reported smelling smoke for hours, even as fire crews worked through the night. Several homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution due to the intensity of the heat and risk of spread.
By early morning, the glow of the flames could still be seen flickering over the horizon. Emergency personnel remained on site, monitoring for potential flare-ups as heavy machinery began clearing debris.
“It’s heartbreaking,” another resident told reporters. “We watched it collapse right before our eyes. The firefighters were incredible — they never stopped, not even for a second.”
Authorities have yet to confirm whether anyone was inside the building when the fire began. Paramedics treated several individuals for smoke inhalation at the scene, but no fatalities have been reported as of now.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials plan to release more details later today once the area is declared safe for inspection.
Stories like this remind us how quickly things can change in an instant — from quiet streets to chaos and fire lighting up the night sky. Our thoughts are with the brave firefighters and all those affected by this devastating blaze.
Follow the link in the comments for live updates and more footage from the scene.
A large fire broke out Sunday in the Lehi area at the Point of the Mountain, sending thick black smoke and flames high into the air as witnesses reported hearing what may have been an explosion.
The fire was reported at 10:17 a.m. by a security guard on site. The project has 24-hour security, said Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft. When firefighters arrived, several buildings were already in flames.
A large fire broke out Sunday at an apartment complex under construction at the Point of the Mountain, sending thick black smoke and flames high into the air as witnesses reported hearing what may have been an explosion.
The fire was reported at 10:17 a.m. by a security guard on site. The project has 24-hour security, said Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft. When firefighters arrived, several buildings were already in flames.
Wood Partners broke ground in March for Alta Vista, a 304-unit multifamily development at 5222 N. Mountain Point Blvd. and it was expected to be completed in 2027, the firm said in a news release earlier this year.
“These types of fires, all that open lumber, it’s just prime to burn,” Craft said.
More than 100 firefighters were working at the fire from departments throughout the area.
“This is what we call a ‘y’all come fire’ so anyone want to fight fire, come on down and help us out,” the Lehi fire chief said.
Wind helped fire jump from building to building, he said.
Two cranes sustained serious heat damage, causing fears of the cranes’ stability as crews worked at the scene.
Firefighters do not yet have any idea about what caused the fire. They could not say whether the fire was suspicious or not. Fire officials said at some point, they might bring arson dogs on scene to sniff for fire accelerants.
At the height of the fire, Craft estimated crews were using 50,000 gallons of water per minute to battle the blaze. As the fire decreased, he estimated they were using 30,000 gallons per minute, and Craft said they needed to contact water managers about the usage.
Minuteman Drive was temporarily closed due to the fire response. With billowing smoke seen throughout the community, crowds of spectators headed to the area to watch as crews fought the blaze.