UPDATE: Wood Partners has confirmed plans to resume construction on the 304-unit multifamily housing development in Lehi, Utah, following a devastating fire that erupted on November 9. The blaze consumed multiple structures near the Point of the Mountain, leaving behind a scene of destruction that shocked local residents.
Just after 10 a.m. on that fateful day, nearby residents witnessed a terrifying inferno. “Well, my daughter screamed at me, ‘Mom, look out the window!'” recalled Juli Beckwith, a resident living close to the site. “I look out the window, and I see towering piles of smoke, and I can see the flames above the house in front of us. It was really scary.”
Authorities report that the fire’s cause remains undetermined as investigators from the Lehi Fire Department work to assess the damage and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft stated, “We know where the fire started, but we don’t know how the fire started… we haven’t ruled arson out, but we haven’t proved arson.”
In the weeks following the fire, the community has been left with unanswered questions. Matthew Beckwith, another nearby resident, expressed concerns over safety, saying, “I just think once they find the cause, the root cause, then they can address resolution, but until that, it’s just a mystery, and it’s a concern for us that this might happen again.”
Wood Partners is committed to collaborating closely with local officials as they navigate through the investigation, cleanup, and recovery processes. They plan to resume construction on the Alta Vista project as soon as investigators complete their review and the site is cleared.
The timeline for the resumption remains uncertain, but Wood Partners assures the community that safety and thoroughness are top priorities. The fire has left a lasting impact not just on the development but on residents who fear for their safety as the investigation unfolds.
As the investigation continues, local officials emphasize the importance of community vigilance and safety. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with construction sites and the necessity for strict safety protocols.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the community rallies to support those affected and looks forward to the return of construction in the area.
