Gas Leak and Fire Force Widespread Evacuations in South Salt Lake; Authorities Respond Swiftly to Protect Residents
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — A dangerous gas leak combined with an ensuing fire forced the evacuation of several city blocks in South Salt Lake on Sunday evening, creating tense moments as emergency crews rushed to secure the area and ensure public safety.
According to officials, the incident began unfolding around 6:00 p.m. when reports of a strong gas odor were called in by concerned residents near 3300 South and West Temple. Shortly afterward, flames erupted, prompting authorities to expand the evacuation zone and work urgently to contain the situation.
First responders from the South Salt Lake Fire Department, alongside utility crews and law enforcement, arrived within minutes and initiated evacuations of homes, businesses, and other buildings in the immediate vicinity.
“Given the volatile nature of natural gas, we had to act quickly to prevent a potential catastrophe,” said South Salt Lake Fire Chief Gary Wilkins. “Our first priority was the safety of the residents.”
Emergency Evacuations and Road Closures
Authorities ordered residents within a several-block radius to leave their homes immediately. Emergency shelters were quickly set up nearby to accommodate displaced families. Traffic was diverted as multiple streets were closed off, and residents were urged to stay away from the affected area until further notice.
“We heard the alarms and the loudspeakers telling us to evacuate,” said local resident Tara Martinez. “We grabbed what we could and got out. It was scary not knowing what might happen next.”
Firefighters worked tirelessly to suppress the flames, which officials say were fed by the leaking gas. Utility crews from Dominion Energy were also on site to locate the source of the leak and shut off gas lines to minimize further risk.
As of late Sunday night, no injuries had been reported, and officials indicated that the fire was largely under control. However, crews remained on scene to monitor gas levels and ensure the area was completely safe before allowing residents to return.
Cause Under Investigation
While the immediate danger appears to be contained, the cause of the gas leak remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that construction work in the area may have damaged an underground gas line, but officials caution that it is too early to draw conclusions.
“Our investigation team will be working closely with local utility companies to determine exactly what went wrong,” said South Salt Lake Police spokesperson Lt. James Hunter. “We want to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.”
Community Response and Moving Forward
The evacuation and emergency response drew praise from many in the community who said they were impressed by how quickly officials acted to prevent a potentially larger disaster.
“I’m just grateful that no one got hurt,” said evacuated resident Andrew Long. “It was stressful, but you could tell the fire department had it under control.”
City officials said they would provide updates as more information becomes available. They encouraged residents to monitor official city and news channels for announcements regarding when it would be safe to return to the evacuated areas.
The situation remains fluid, and Fox 13 News will continue providing updates as authorities work to fully resolve the emergency.