Officials: Roofers' torch caused fire at Centerville lumber business

CENTERVILLE -- The fire that destroyed a family lumber business was caused by roofers, fire officials said Tuesday.

The roof repair process included the use of a propane blow torch that was used to heat a membrane so it would be sticky, said South Davis Metro Fire Agency Chief Jim Rampton. Fire officials didn't have the name of the roofer.

"The wood roof ignited and smoldered, and that started the fire," Rampton said.

Rampton said the fire damage is estimated between $1 million and $2 million to the two-story Colonial Building Supply store and office area, at 530 N. 400 West.

Colonial employees worked from the warehouse Tuesday, taking and receiving orders.

Structural engineers were at the building to determine if it was safe for fire officials to go inside to conduct an investigation.

Fire crews returned to the store Tuesday afternoon with two trucks for about 11âÑ2 hours to contain hot spots Rampton called in before they could flare up.

At the peak of the fire Monday night, 60 firefighters from South Davis Metro Fire Agency, Salt Lake City, Layton, Kaysville and Farmington were battling the blaze, along with four ladder trucks and eight engines.

"Our crews did an excellent job keeping the fire from extending into the warehouse," Rampton said. "It's a tragic loss for the owners and their employees."

Two employees were closing the store around 6 p.m. Monday, but were unaware of the fire above them until emergency personnel arrived.

The fire was visible from outside, and a passerby altered the fire department. No one was injured by the blaze.

Colonial Building Supply was opened in 1982 in Bountiful.

It moved to Centerville in 1995 and is one of the only independent lumber yards left in Davis County, said family members of Fred Hale, the owner.