Hundreds evacuated in Midvale apartment fire

MIDVALE — An apartment complex caught fire Friday, according to the Unified Fire Authority, forcing the evacuation of 220 units.

Smoke was spotted above the North Union Apartments, at 942 E. North Union Avenue, just after 8 a.m. Building residents were evacuated, along with their pets. Many stood on surrounding street corners watching firefighters tackle the blaze.

"I've lived in this apartment complex for almost four years and it has become my home. Seeing it being damaged like this is pretty scary," said Carlos Flores, who lives on the complex's fourth floor. "It feels bad. It feels horrible."

The American Red Cross was assisting those who were displaced at a temporary shelter at the north end of Hillcrest High School. The organization said it provided lunch to approximately 200 people that had been evacuated.

Nate Cochran with the Unified Fire Authority said smoke was localized at first but intensified by 8:45 a.m. when flames could be seen coming from the building's roofline. Heavy smoke was seen coming up through the trash chute, but the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown.

The Unified Fire Authority said the fire started in the building at approximately 7:50 a.m. Of the complex's 223 units, 220 were occupied and safely evacuated.

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Contributing: Daniel Woodruff and Cameron Elliot

Correction: A previous version of this story stated the fire may have originated in the trash chute, but officials clarified the place of origin could not immediately be confirmed.

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