CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Crews detonate ‘ancient dynamite’ found in Holladay home

Apr 24, 2024, 6:12 AM | Updated: Apr 25, 2024, 10:57 am

One of two controlled detonations of old dynamite is seen in Holladay on April 24, 2024. (KSL TV)...

One of two controlled detonations of old dynamite is seen in Holladay on April 24, 2024. (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

HOLLADAY, Utah — Early Wednesday morning, the Unified Fire Authority Bomb Squad detonated ‘ancient dynamite’ that had been found in a Holladay home. A resident found the explosives in a house near 6200 South and 2300 East and reported the find on Tuesday evening. 

According to Unified Fire Authority Assistant Chief Riley Pilgrim, the homeowner discovered the explosives while cleaning the home. The homeowner had been handed a stick of the ancient dynamite by someone who was helping her. 

Unsure of what to do, she called a friend for help. 

After the pair realized just how much dynamite was in the home, they called emergency services for help. Pilgrim said that the storage did not appear to be nefarious. 

“It is scary because some people just hold onto stuff and we’re not sure why,” said Pilgrim. 

The situation demanded “a lot of complex problem-solving.” The homeowner found dynamite throughout the property, in the shed and home. 

Authorities confirmed that “there was a significant quantity of very old dynamite stored within [the] property,” Pilgrim said. 

Risks posed by ancient dynamite

“When dynamite ages, it begins to crystalize,” said Pilgrim. 

The materials within the explosive become increasingly sensitive with age. According to Pilgrim, old dynamite could detonate if it is dropped or exposed to a certain amount of light.

Authorities determined that, to dispose of it elsewhere, they would have to move some of the ancient dynamite quite far. 

“We evaluated our options as too unsafe to put people in there to actually move it,” said Pilgrim. While the bomb specialists have tools, such as a robot, they determined that it also could not retrieve them. 

“For the sake of the adjacent properties and the first responders the best method was to detonate the dynamite,” said Pilgrim. “It just wasn’t safe to move it out.” 

It took several hours to prepare the surrounding area. At around 12:20 a.m., authorities evacuated areas within 1500 feet of the home. According to Pilgrim, about 700 people had to leave their homes. 

At around 4 a.m., authorities detonated the explosives. The blast rendered the house “unlivable” but left nearby properties intact.

“It had to be dealt with as soon as we were prepared to do it,” said Pilgrim. 

Related: ‘I think a house just blew up’: 911 calls document initial response to American Fork home explosion

 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

A Uintah County woman is accused of putting Borax in her children's water, allegedly to help their ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

Prosecutors say since the beginning of the school year in August, the suspect, Barbara Susan Williford, 47, "had been putting a pinch of Borax in her minor child's water."

19 hours ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

SALT LAKE CITY — A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks. On Thursday, Unified police and the FBI were called to a robbery that happened at a Chase Bank on 2855 E, 3300 South in Millcreek. Witnesses told investigators that a white man with […]

21 hours ago

FILE — A Salt Lake City Police Department squad car. Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Sq...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest two people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for suspected drug-trafficking operation in Library Square. 

3 days ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

3 days ago

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

4 days ago

FILE: A United States District Court emblem is seen in a courtroom in the Salt Lake City Federal Co...

Simone Seikaly

Former gymnastics coach pleads guilty to new charges involving cameras, bathrooms

Gymnastics coach Adam Richard Jacobs has plead guilty to putting a camera in a minor's hotel room and bathroom.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Crews detonate ‘ancient dynamite’ found in Holladay home