Farmington Fire Department burns down two homes

FARMINGTON — About 100 people gathered to watch the Farmington Fire Department burn down two homes to make room for a new, 20,000-square-foot city hall.

There were so many people, some with lawn chairs, that firefighters were taking pictures of them. During the past month, firefighters have been using one home for real-scenario training, burning rooms and putting them out.

But of everyone who came to watch Wednesday night, no one was touched more by the final fire than Scott, Krista, Trevor and Katie Bass, who had lived in the home until a month and a half ago.

Scott and Krista Bass built the home 17 years ago on property that had been in the Bass family for more than 100 years. The other home was built in 1933 by Scott Bass's grandfather.

Krista Bass fought back tears as the fire raged, started by firefighters throwing Molotov cocktails. And when Farmington Mayor Scott Harbertson walked by, she joked that she didn't like him anymore.

Farmington bought the two homes on the property from the Basses and let the family move into a nearby home that the city owned.

The Bass family grilled some hot dogs and burgers while they waited for the fire to start.

Food, especially chocolate, was going to help them through the pain of losing the house, Krista Bass said.

Both Scott and Krista Bass work for Davis County and have cut their commute to the Davis County Memorial Courthouse in half. Now, they just walk across the street.

But the family admitted it was painful and strange at the same time to see their former home burn down.

Trevor Bass, 18, said he'll miss shooting AirSoft guns in the basement, but he won't miss shoveling the driveway.

"This is something I never ever expected to happen," he said, as the fully engulfed home threw heat over the crowd. "At least we're not living there right now."

— Joseph M. Dougherty