Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- A fire destroyed the home of Blair and Laura Jensen, dedicated public servants.
- The couple, known for their community contributions, lost everything, including pets.
- A fundraiser urges community support, while the fire's cause remains under investigation.
SALT LAKE CITY — A fire in Tremonton claimed the home of a couple who spent their long careers in public service, helping others. A sentiment from their friends and family is now all they have left: It's time for them to be on the receiving end of help.
At about 1 p.m. on Saturday, when Blair and Laura Jensen were away, emergency fire crews were called to their home. When crews arrived, the home was fully involved in flames as heavy smoke billowed from the structure, according to the Garland Fire Department.
Brigham City, Box Elder County, Corrine and Central Box Elder fire departments arrived to help.
"Despite facing numerous challenges, crews worked tirelessly and were able to contain the fire," the Garland Fire Department said. "The home sustained extensive damage, and units remained on scene for six hours to ensure the area was fully secure."
It was a scene not unfamiliar to Blair Jensen, who was a firefighter until he recently retired from the Ogden Fire Department.
He was known for bringing "awareness, knowledge and lots of laughter" to schools and community events, according to a fundraiser* that was set up by friends and family.
"It's just gone," said Blair Jensen as he looked over the huge pile of blackened debris. "It hurts."
"You can go talk to Weber County Sheriff's Office and Davis County Sheriff's Office. They all know him and love him," Blair's son, Brian Jensen said. "He taught me a lot. Anytime there is someone on the side of the road (or needs help) you stop and help them."
Laura Jensen also served her community in the medical field, dedicating her life to helping her patients.
The fundraiser said the couple was left with "absolutely nothing," including a few furry friends who were tragically lost in the flames. It further called on the community to help in their time of need.
"There was nothing but smoke everywhere," Blair Jensen said. "There was smoke going out every window."
"Let's be there for them as they have been there for our community," the fundraiser said.
Other than the animals the couple lost, no other injuries were reported in the fire.
On Monday night, Tremonton Fire Chief Brady Hansen told KSL-TV the cause of the fire was still under investigation, though "not suspicious."
"Historically, these really cold temperatures do lead to auxiliary sources of heat that can cause fires," Hansen said. "We don't know that that was part of the cause with this fire, but it's being looked into. This was a difficult fire with lots of damage so the investigators are still piecing it together."
"This can all be replaced. It can all be rebuilt," Blair Jensen said. "There are a lot of memories, but that's not the final important thing. The important thing is we are OK."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
