Logan » A two-alarm fire, most likely sparked by lightning, forced the evacuation of approximately 50 residents of a retirement home here early Friday evening.
Logan City Fire Chief Mark Meaker said an engine responded to the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center at 345 N. 200 West shortly after 6 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the peak of the roof of the facility. A second alarm was requested and the facility was evacuated. Two residents were treated nearby for scrapes and "a sick feeling."
Meaker said crews had to cut holes in the building's roof to extinguish the fire. Residents were not allowed to return to their home until damage was repaired.
"The fire fried that alarm panel," Meaker said. "We're checking with electrical contractors, but there's no question that the facility will remain evacuated all night."
Five engines with 50 firefighters, five chief officers, four police officers and one ambulance crew responded from the fire departments of Logan, North Logan, Smithfield, Wellsville and the Cache County Fire District. Logan Mayor Randy Watts and Logan City building official Paul Taylor also responded to the scene.
Damage was estimated at up to $50,000. However, further examination of the electrical damage caused by the lightning could show greater losses.
