Fire in abandoned house possibly started by transients

SALT LAKE CITY — Investigators were looking Friday at whether transients might be responsible for a fire at an abandoned house.

The fire started about 10:40 a.m. near 350 South and 850 East. A neighbor reported heavy smoke coming through the door and windows, said Salt Lake fire spokesman Mark Bednarik.

Firefighters found a slow-burning, smoldering fire in the basement, he said. The fire was under control within 10 to 15 minutes. Damage was estimated at $5,000, Bednarik said.

The exact cause was still under investigation Friday, but Bednarik said possible actions of transients in the basement of the abandoned home were being examined.

— Pat Reavy