CENTERVILLE -- The fire that destroyed a family lumber business was caused by roofers, fire officials said.
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.
"The wood roof ignited and smoldered and that started the fire," Rampton said.
Rampton said the fire damage is estimated between $1 million to $2 million to the two-story Colonial Building Supply store and office area, at 530 N. 400 West, Centerville.
Employees worked from the warehouse on Tuesday, taking and receiving orders.
Fire officials were also at the store on Tuesday, investigating the cause, moping up and looking for hot spots.
Structural engineers were at the building to determine if it was safe for fire officials to go inside to conduct an investigation.
At the peak of the fire Monday night, 60 fire fighters from South Davis Metro Fire Agency, Salt Lake, Layton, Kaysville and Farmington were battling the fire 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."
Fire crews used an estimated 1 million gallons to put out the fire, said Davis County Commissioner Bret Milburn.
Two employees inside the store were closing the store around 6 p.m., Monday, but were unaware of the fire above them until emergency personnel arrived. The fire was very visible from outside, and a passerby altered the fire department. No one was injured from 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.
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