SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — A gas leak caused by a power line downed during a truck fire led to evacuations in South Salt Lake late Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m., quickly escalated into a dangerous situation that required swift action from local emergency responders.
The fire began when a power line fell and ignited a truck fire. As firefighters from the South Salt Lake Fire Department and the Unified Fire Authority responded to the scene, they discovered that the ground and a gas meter had also caught fire. Further investigation revealed a gas leak beneath the road, prompting authorities to issue immediate evacuation orders for residents in the area bordered by 3300 South to 3500 South and West Temple to 200 West.
As the fire raged, crews worked to contain the leak and prevent any further risks to nearby structures. By 9:30 p.m., the gas leak was successfully shut off, though emergency teams remained on site to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. In the aftermath, fire crews excavated the road to secure the gas line and ventilated nearby buildings to eliminate any lingering fumes.
South Salt Lake Fire Chief Terry Addison expressed his concern over the potential for the gas to enter buildings, which could have led to more fires or even an explosion. “We don’t want any of the gas to go inside any of the structures and find an ignition source where they could possibly start another fire or, worse yet, possibly an explosion,” Addison said.
To mitigate further risk, firefighters allowed the flames to burn in a controlled manner, helping to relieve pressure on the gas line. Hazardous materials crews monitored storm drains, sewers, and surrounding areas for any signs of residual gas. Fortunately, no evidence of gas spread beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
The evacuation caused significant disruption in the neighborhood, with Utah Transit Authority offering a warming bus for displaced residents who had nowhere to go. An evacuation shelter was set up at 3805 South Main Street to assist those in need. In addition to the gas leak, power outages affected 2,747 customers in the area, though it remains unclear if the power loss was linked to the ongoing fire and gas leak.
Local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage. As of late Thursday evening, no injuries have been reported. Emergency crews remain on-site to ensure the area is secure and that there are no lingering risks to public safety.
The quick response from fire and hazmat teams, as well as the evacuation efforts, likely prevented a much larger disaster.