Fire destroys two homes and damages one

WEST JORDAN — Two homes under construction were destroyed and a third home damaged Monday in a suspected case of arson, West Jordan fire officials said.

A fire began around 1:30 a.m. in a home under construction and south winds quickly spread the blaze to a second home, said West Jordan Fire Department Battalion Chief Marc McElreath.

The homes were between 60 percent and 80 percent completed and unoccupied, he said. Fire fighters were able to save a third home, although its roof and some walls were damaged.

After the fire was extinguished, a dog that can detect the presence of accelerants indicated several areas in debris from the first home where a liquid accelerant was used, McElreath said.

Because of the accelerant arson is a likely cause, but the fire remains under investigation, he said.

The estimated damage is $500,000, McElreath said.