Pleasant Grove home a 'total loss' after fireworks spark fire

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — A home near 1500 N. and 500 E. in Pleasant Grove is a total loss after fireworks thrown into a trash can sparked a fast-moving fire overnight.

Pleasant Grove Fire Chief Andrew Engemann said crews arrived about five minutes after the initial call to find the fire spreading from the garage.

“It started in the garage, then went up into the attic…we had to hunt it down a little bit,” Engemann said. “We finally got it torn down, but yeah, the house will be a total loss.”

Fire departments from American Fork, Orem and Lone Peak also responded. Engemann said their first order of business was to make sure no one was left inside.

“We didn’t find anybody, we backed off and stayed on the defensive for most of the fire,” Engemann said. “Now we’re just making sure all the hot spots are out.”

Fireworks blamed for Pleasant Grove fire

Engemann believes someone threw fireworks improperly, starting the fire.

“Somebody had picked up fireworks and thrown them in the trash and put them in the garage, which we strongly advise, you know, it's not a safe thing to do,” he said.

The Pleasant Grove fire chief instead recommended using a bucket and water to dispose of the fireworks.

“Put them in a bucket, a metal bucket, wet them and soak them for at least an hour or two,” he advised.

According to Engemann, neither residents nor firefighters were injured. He estimates the value of the home at between $800,000 and $1 million.

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