PROVO, Utah – Authorities in Provo are reaching out to the public for assistance in their investigation of a devastating two-alarm fire that erupted at a construction site early Saturday morning. The blaze, which caused an estimated $4.5 million in damage, destroyed three buildings under construction and disrupted power to nearby areas.

The Incident

‍The fire broke out around 3:00 a.m. at 1650 South State Street. According to Provo Fire and Rescue, the flames quickly engulfed three buildings that were in the early stages of construction. Only the frames of the structures had been completed, and the absence of fire-protective materials allowed the fire to spread rapidly.

Fire crews from Springville and Mapleton joined Provo Fire and Rescue in battling the blaze, which required significant resources to bring under control. Provo City Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield provided an initial damage estimate, stating, “The estimate of damage is approximately 1.5millionperbuilding,so1.5millionperbuilding,so4.5 million overall.”

Road Closures and Power Outages

‍The fire prompted Provo Police to close State Street at 1100 South to provide fire crews with the space needed to operate safely. The road has since been reopened, but the incident caused widespread disruptions in the area.

Provo Power reported that several utility poles were damaged by the flames, leaving nearby buildings without electricity. The utility company estimated that power would be restored between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Investigation Underway

‍The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with a local branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisting in the probe. Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or videos related to the fire to come forward.

Provo Police have set up a dedicated line for tips and can be reached at 801-852-6268. “We are asking the public for help with their investigation into this fire,” a police spokesperson said.

Community Impact

‍The fire has left a significant mark on the community, not only due to the extensive property damage but also because of the disruption to local businesses and residents. The loss of power and road closures created challenges for those living and working in the area.

Fire Marshal Schofield emphasized the importance of fire safety measures at construction sites, particularly in the early stages of development. “When buildings are under construction, they are especially vulnerable to fires because fire-protective materials are not yet in place,” Schofield said.

Call for Public Assistance

‍As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that the public can provide valuable information to help determine the cause of the fire. “Anyone with any videos, photos, or information about the fire is asked to contact Provo Police,” a statement from the department read.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety protocols and community vigilance. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or potential fire hazards to prevent similar incidents in the future.