Large fire burns century-old business complex on Main Street in Salt Lake City

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A massive fire engulfed a century-old business complex in downtown Salt Lake City.

Firefighters adopted a defensive strategy due to structural collapse and complex conditions.

One firefighter was injured, and nearby businesses faced potential smoke and water damage.

SALT LAKE CITY — A massive fire broke out in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City Monday night, sending flames several stories high and thick, heavy smoke out into the sky, blanketing the area.

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 321 S. Main shortly before 8:45 p.m., according to Bob Silverthorne, a division chief for the Salt Lake City Fire Department. The fire broke out in the back of one of the businesses in a complex that he said is essentially four "piled into one." It quickly spread to anoth