LAYTON — Fire officials said the man responsible for causing heavy damage to part of the Sterling Pointe Luxury Apartments, 1575 W. 1600 North, had severe medical problems as a result of a car accident a few years ago.
The man, 21, lit his couch cushions on fire Tuesday just after 1:30 p.m. in his bottom level apartment, said Layton Fire Chief Allan Peek. The fire quickly shot up through two other floors and into the attic of the building.
Four apartments suffered heavy fire damage and at least eight others suffered water and smoke damage, Peek said. About two dozen people were forced to find another place to stay Tuesday night. The Red Cross provided assistance to the homeless families.
"It was just crazy," said Summer Palmer who lives in the building that burned. "I couldn't tell which floor it stated on because (the building) was so engulfed."
Residents credit smoke detectors and quick thinking by the apartment complex staff for getting residents out safely.
The man who started the fire was treated at Davis Hospital and Medical Center for burns to his hands. Peek did not know Tuesday whether police would charge the man.
The only other injury was suffered by a firefighter who slipped on the wet steps of his fire truck. The firefighter possibly broke his ankle, Peek said.