UPDATE: SLC Fire Captain says I-80 grass fire is now under control
Jun 19, 2022, 3:58 PM | Updated: 6:56 pm
(PHOTO: South Salt Lake Police Department)
(PHOTO: South Salt Lake Police Department)
SALT LAKE CITY – Update: Salt Lake City Fire Captain Shaun Mumedy said Sunday night the grass fire is under control.
“We feel like we have 100% containment,” Mumedy said. Additionally, he said crews are expected to remain on the scene for one or two more hours.
Additional details on the grass fire
According to Mumedy, Salt Lake City Fire began receiving reports of spot fires near the area around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“We had numerous crews respond to that area,” Mumedy said. “With crews arriving on scene approximately within the first five minutes or so, trying to get eyes on the situation.”
From this point, Mumedy said the wind began to spread the fire east and westbound.
Multiple agencies responded to the fire, including West Valley City Fire, Murray fire, Unified Fire Authority and Wildland.
Damage caused by the fire
Mumedy reported one minor injury, which happened early on.
“We did have one individual stuck there on I-80 when we had a lot of that smoke and initial flare-up,” he said. “They experienced some minor smoke inhalation. They were transported, in minor condition, to the hospital.”
The fire is considered a Wildland fire, meaning no structures have been threatened by the burn.
Mumedy said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Previous coverage: I-80 has reopened in both directions.
I-80 is now open in both directions. However, the fire has shifted and Bangerter Highway is now closed both directions from I-80.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) June 19, 2022
According to a Tweet from Utah Highway Patrol, the grass fire has shifted, causing Bangerter Highway to close in both directions from I-80.
Original coverage: I-80 is currently closed in both directions near 5600 W after a transformer explosion led to a grass fire.
Troopers on the scene says there is a lot of smoke and no visibility.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Motorcycle accident in Tooele County
Earlier today, a motorcycle accident near Saltair in Tooele County led to the reports that a medical helicopter was released. You can read that story here.
