Provo Tabernacle Fire Officially Caused By Human Error; 300-Watt Lamp Placed Too Close To Wooden Speaker Enclosure

On March 31st, 2011, the Provo Fire Department released a 135-page report on the December 17th, 2010 fire at the Provo Tabernacle, and they concluded that an energized 300-watt lamp placed too close to a wooden speaker enclosure was the primary cause. But the report noted other sources of human error, to include failure to recognize unsafe lighting conditions and lack of urgency to report signs of a fire. Primary media stories include the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, and KSL Channel 5; however, the shorter Provo Daily Herald story identifies both the company and the technician who installed the lamp. You can also read a shorter 14-page executive summary of the Fire Department's report HERE.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

A grass-roots campaign to get the Provo Tabernacle rebuilt is still active:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebuild-Provo-Tabernacle/183303548348056?v=info

The Primary Cause: A series of lights had been placed inside the Tabernacle on December 15th, 2010 just before a December 16th rehearsal of composer Lex de Azevedo's "Gloria" by 200 singers and musicians, accompanied by a BYU film crew. The 300-watt lamp triggering the blaze had been installed by technician Jeremy Ostler of Trax Lighting and AV on a truss in the attic too close to a wooden speaker box, despite the fact that original lighting plans did not originally call for it. Ostler allegedly added the truss because he felt it was necessary to adequately illuminate the performers. The packaging for the lamp used in the fixture of origin, a Sylvania model 300BR40/FL clearly states: “Do not allow paper or other flammable or heat sensitive materials within 12 inches of the glass bulb during operation,'” according to the report. From the 14-page executive summary comes this description (after the jump):

Provo Foundation Launches Initial Fundraising Effort To Rebuild The Fire-Gutted Provo LDS Tabernacle

Update March 31st 2011: Provo Fire Department releases official report on the Provo Tabernacle fire, attributes it to human error. Updated post HERE.

More than 24 hours after a tragic fire gutted the historic Provo LDS Tabernacle, firefighters continue mop-up operations. As of 10:30 A.M. on December 18th, smoke could be seen coming from where the organ used to stand. While there's been no official estimate of the damage to the tabernacle, millions of dollars in electronic equipment also went up in flames. Much of that camera and lighting equipment belonging to BYU and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was at the building to produce and record a music production that was scheduled for Friday December 17th and Saturday December 18th.

But although the LDS Church, in their initial reaction, expressed some doubt that the historic Provo Tabernacle would be rebuilt, the Provo Foundation in association with other interested citizens has begun an effort which could lead to the reconstruction of the Tabernacle or a similar building. This group has now established a Facebook page and is soliciting donations. Their eventual website:

http://www.RebuildProvoTabernacle.com

At the moment, the only way to donate is through any branch of Zion's Bank. All donations will be tax-deductable. Eventually, this group will undoubtedly set up an online donation portal if initial interest and response justifies it.

A number of prominent citizens from the area have already put themselves on record as favoring reconstruction:

-- Corey Norman, Provo Foundation
-- Mayor John Curtis, Provo City
-- Taylor Oldroyd, CEO Utah County Association of Realtors
-- Brian Chapman, BCR Political
-- Kelly Ward, Zion's Bank
-- Chris Nichols, Pres Utah County Association of Realtors
-- Steve Turley, Provo City Council
-- Sterlinng Beck, Provo City Council
-- Laura Cabanilla, Provo City Council
-- Gary Winterton, Provo Business Owner

The Keepapitchinin blog has posted some good photos of what the interior of the Tabernacle looked like before the fire.

Videos Of The Provo LDS Tabernacle Fire; Historic Building Feared Completely Lost

Update March 31st 2011: Provo Fire Department releases official report on the Provo Tabernacle fire, attributes it to human error. Updated post HERE.

Update December 18th: Provo Foundation launching fundraising effort to get Provo Tabernacle rebuilt; details HERE.

Early on the morning of December 17th, 2010, the historic LDS Tabernacle in Provo, Utah caught fire and was seriously damaged; many believe it will eventually have to be razed. Story summarized from accounts on KSL Channel 5, the Salt Lake Tribune, the Provo Daily Herald. KSTU Channel 13 news video embedded below:

 

KSL Channel 5 news video below (the concert discussed in the story was held in Alpine):

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

While arson is not suspected, the fire may prove to be human-caused. Late on December 16th, BYU crews were filming a Christmas concert taking place within the building. One witness later recounted that she smelled something like a "hot glue gun", but attributed it to the effect of the TV crews, lights, and other audiovisual equipment brought in. So no red flags were tripped.

Then at 2:43 A.M. on December 17th, a security guard first noticed and reported the fire, which appeared to originate on the second floor. Firefighters immediately responded; ultimately, 25 firefighters, three ladder trucks and half-a-dozen fire engines were involved. Crews considered an offensive approach but when they tried to enter the building they determined it wasn't safe. They have been fighting it defensively from the outside ever since. Approximately 6 A.M., the roof began to collapse. By 7:45 A.M., cracks reportedly were appearing in the exterior walls of the first story of the two-story building. A column of heavy smoke continued to billow from the center of the building three hours later. I wouldn't be surprised if the fire was ultimately determined to have been caused by overloading the electrical outlets, considering all the audiovisual equipment that was brought in by the film crew.

At present, virtually all that remains is an empty exterior shell. It may not be rebuilt; LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter issued this statement: "The fire at the Provo Tabernacle is tragic. The building not only serves our members and the community, but is a reminder of the pioneering spirit that built Utah. The damage appears severe and until we make a structural assessment we won't know whether this historic treasure will be able to be saved." The structure is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Construction of the tabernacle, with its unique octagonal towers at each of the four corners, began in 1883 and was completed in 1898 at the cost of $100,000. Tabernacles also differ in style and purpose from the church’s temples, which are primarily reserved for sacred ordinances such as weddings and baptisms for the dead. Tabernacles are usually dedicated to meetings combining several congregations.

Many local people are understandably shook up. One person said, "Everyone in Provo has significant memories of concerts, plays, church meetings. It's an extremely vital part of my community. It's really a fabric of the community.". Another person noted, "I almost want to cry. So many memories in there and not a bad one. I really hope it was an accident." But two amateur videos filmed by local people best captured the reaction:

First video:


Second video:


Reaction from other Mormons is also posted on the following unofficial LDS blogs:

-- By Common Consent
-- Wheat & Tares
-- Juvenile Instructor
-- Keepapitchinin
-- Non-Mormon reaction posted on ClobberBlog.