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A West Jordan house was destroyed in a two-alarm fire Tuesday night, leaving its three residents homeless.

West Jordan Fire Battalion Chief Marc McElreath said the fire, near 3100 West and 7100 South, is believed to have started in a shed and spread into the home's attached garage, and from there into the structure's attic.

Two people inside the house, alerted by neighbors, escaped unharmed. However, firefighters initially thought they might be in a rescue situation when the third occupant — a teenage boy — was discovered missing.

"We went inside and searched but found no one. Later, we found out the teen was at a neighbor's house and fine," McElreath said Wednesday.

The shed and garage were heavily damaged by the 6:30 p.m. fire, as was the home's attic. The living areas sustained substantial smoke damage. All told, McElreath said, the home sustained an estimated $175,000 in damages.

The residents were being assisted by neighbors and their local church with housing, clothing and food.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but McElreath said it appeared to have been accidental.

In addition to West Jordan, firefighters from West Valley City, South Jordan and the Unified Fire departments — about 30 people in all — responded.