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Salt Lake City officials describe fast‑moving Main Street fire; city opens employee relief fund and considers emergency loans
Summary
Salt Lake City leaders said an overnight fire at a downtown restaurant spread in roof voids, damaged multiple buildings with an estimated $5 million loss, injured three firefighters and prompted immediate city support for displaced employees and businesses.
Firefighters and city officials warned that a fast‑moving fire in a downtown Main Street restaurant overnight caused heavy damage to multiple adjacent buildings and could cost about $5 million to repair.
Fire Chief, Salt Lake City Fire Department, told the council the department received the first alarm at about 8:40 p.m. and found fire in the ceiling and roof voids of the London Bell. “We had approximately 78 firefighters on scene and 20 fire apparatus,” the chief said, and the department switched from an offensive to a defensive strategy at about 9:42 p.m. because the fire had moved laterally through void spaces. “We have 3 minor firefighter injuries, but no civilian injuries,” the chief said.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall praised the firefighters and described three injuries the mayor said included a broken ankle and ceiling‑debris injuries and others involving smoke inhalation, dehydration and nausea. She outlined three immediate city actions to help affected workers and businesses: an employee assistance fund hosted on the Downtown Alliance website that is live for donations, an emergency no‑interest loan concept that the mayor said the administration will return to the council to authorize if needed, and expedited “white‑glove” permitting and inspection service to speed reopening.
The chief said Rocky Mountain Power had begun restoring electricity to adjacent businesses, specifically naming The Bodega and Utah Book and Magazine, and that property control had been turned over to owners for next steps with building services. He said crews demobilized after an overnight fire watch and returned once to extinguish hot spots. He thanked mutual‑aid partners including the Unified Fire Authority, West Valley and South Salt Lake fire departments and Salt Lake City Police for drone support.
Council members asked about securing damaged properties; the chief said property security is normally the owners’ responsibility but that emergency management will assist if owners cannot immediately secure sites. Council members and the mayor emphasized rapid support for displaced employees and businesses and praised the firefighters’ response.
The city stressed there is no current plan by the fire department to remove or demolish properties; decisions about structural disposition rest with owners and building services.
Ending The council did not take a formal action on the fire itself in the work session. Officials said they will return to the council to request authorization if emergency loan funds or other city dollars are needed to support businesses.
