New challenges for Salt Lake firefighters on the horizon

SALT LAKE CITY —As the downtown skyline changes in Salt Lake City, how firefighters access and fight fires will also have to change.

According to Community Relations Chief for Salt Lake City Fire Department, Bob Silverthorne, most of the new construction in the greater downtown area consists of mid-level buildings, or, seven to eight stories on average.  Not only will this mean a higher density of people inside these buildings, it also means new challenges accessing a structure that is on fire.

Silverthorne said the fire chief as well as the department and city leaders are working together to have the equipment, training and extra firefighters as well as stations that are ready to meet the increasing demand.

Fire trucks are commonly on back order for years before stations receive delivery, and then the trucks often need customizations before they are ready to hit the road.

Silverthorne also said the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy are teaching firefighters how to fight fires in these taller buildings.

Other reading: Fire crews respond to burning apartment in Salt Lake City; residents evacuated

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