Fire swept through the attic of the Oaken Bucket Restaurant, 3535 W. 3500 South, early Saturday, killing a co-owner of the business who apparently was trapped in the office by intense flames and heat.
The victim, Paul Larsen, 42, of Murray, was taken to Pioneer Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.Five fire engines and 24 firefighters from West Valley City, Salt Lake County and South Salt Lake were dispatched to the scene at about 12:45 a.m. and had the fire under control within 20 minutes.
West Valley Battalion Chief Stan Varney said it appears the fire originated in the attic. Investigators are trying to determine the exact origin and cause, he said.
Smoke and flames were spewing out the upper windows of the restaurant when firefighters arrived, and most of the damage, which was estimated at $35,000, occurred on the second floor.
Larsen apparently was doing some bookkeeping in the office after the restaurant had closed for the day and was alone in the building.