Midvale school set for demolition a safety concern for residents, law enforcement

Midvale Elementary School, which is closed and slated for demolition, in Midvale on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

Marc Weaver, Deseret News

MIDVALE The old Midvale Elementary School set for demolition has residents in the area concerned after arsonists set several fires inside the building.

Hanging awnings and shards of glass didn't deter arsonists from setting multiple fires Monday, April 29, inside the school at 362 W. Center (7720 South).

Unified Fire Capt. Clint Mecham said at least eight and as many as 10 fires were set, including one in the gymnasium and several on the second floor.

Mecham said the fires were small and crews were able to douse the flames quickly. But the fire could have been worse and could have spread to other parts of the neighborhood, he said.

"(It's) extremely dangerous when you come to not only the building itself being compromised, but then you add the component of fire to it, and it becomes just unpredictable," Mecham said.

Fire and police officials have responded to at least 10 calls about vandals in the school since January, most of them within the last two months.

"This building has been a constant source of concern for us," Mecham said. "Because it's under demolition, there are so many holes in the structure. It's hard to secure them all."

The old elementary school has been vacant for the past year, and those who live nearby say demolition can't come soon enough. Neighbors say the property is an eyesore and a hazard, and they want it gone.

Read this article:
Midvale school set for demolition a safety concern for residents, law enforcement