Support Community Affected by Silverado Apt Fire

We’re a group of Salt Lake City community members raising emergency funds for those affected by the Silverado Apartment fire. When systems fail, we need one another more than ever. Please join us in showing up for our community!

On May 30th a fire broke out at the Silverado apartment building when an oxygen tank exploded. Many of the tenants heard the explosion and were able to safely evacuate. However, two people passed away from the injuries they sustained during the fire. Another man had his hands severely burned while rescuing a neighbor and spent about a month in recovery from his injuries. The fire destroyed the right half of the building and the rest was incredibly smoke damaged.

All of the residents were suddenly displaced from their homes and were only given around $500 to pay for lodging while they searched for permanent housing. Many folks had been living at the Silverado for 5 or more years, and had built their homes there. In the weeks following the fire, the building was deemed structurally unsound and the tenants were refused access to their apartment to retrieve their belongings. During this time, many of their apartments were looted. In addition to losing much of their property to smoke damage, many had remaining valuables stolen.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 for each tenant. Funds will be distributed to those who were displaced, as well as families of those who passed away due to the fire. Those receiving funds will be able to use them in whatever ways they see fit. Based on conversations with affected community members, expenses that are most urgent include medical bills, after-life care, displacement and relocation costs, replacement of furniture and valuables, rebuilding stability and lost wealth, and possible legal fees.

We are currently in touch with seven tenants and the family of one of the tenants who passed away. If you or someone you know is one of the tenants that has NOT yet been contacted, please reach out!

Funds raised through this relief effort will be withdrawn through a bank account held by Salt Lake Community Mutual Aid. Withdrawals will be made in $1,000 intervals, if possible, and will be distributed in $1,000 chunks through Venmo or check. Those with more urgent financial needs will receive funds first, until every person has received $1,000; the process will then restart. This approach has been approved by all tenants with whom we are in contact.

Read more about the fires here: