COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah – An early-morning apartment fire Friday forced residents to leave their homes and injured a woman who had to be airlifted to University Medical Center.
Officials with the Unified Fire Authority responded to a call at approximately 3:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe Apartments, 7015 Santa Cruz Drive, in Cottonwood Heights. Multiple agencies responded to the two alarm fire, including Murray and Sandy City.
The woman who reported the fire was in her apartment and was using oxygen. She reportedly was taken to Intermountain Medical Center for smoke inhalation. Her injuries were worse, though, and she was taken by helicopter to the University burn center for severe respiratory burns.
Residents from 24 units had to be evacuated. A total of four apartments were damaged, two with fire damage and two with smoke and water damage.
Unified Fire Public Information Officer Keith Garner said at least five residents had to be rescued off balconies.
Evacuees were allowed to return to their apartments to gather a few belongings. However, they will not be able to stay until authorities have assessed the damage, which could take several days. The Red Cross is assisting those residents.
Investigators are looking into what caused the fire, but Garner said it’s likely related to the oxygen tanks in the resident’s home.
No other injuries were reported.
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