Salt Lake City Fire Crews’ Quick Response Keeps Garage Fire From Spreading

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Crews were able to quickly extinguish an early-morning fire in a detached garage, but officials are using the incident to remind everyone that fire dangers are high — especially as people celebrate Pioneer Day with fireworks.

The fire started in the area of 959 West and Fremont Avenue, according to the Salt Lake City Fire Department. No civilians were hurt, but one firefighter did sustain a minor injury.

Officials said the crew member injured an ankle and was transported to the hospital.

Young man taking a relative to work this morning noticed a fire in the garage and quickly started telling neighbors including his mom and family to evacuate. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Rznd8T8kjO

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) July 24, 2019

SLCFD Chief Darren Baum said crews were able to contain the fire to the structure. He said there may have been people living inside the garage, but they evacuated before firefighters arrived. Several surrounding residences were briefly evacuated as a precaution.

“We were able to get a quick response here on scene, with water on the fire within the first four minutes from the time we were dispatched,” he said.

He said the cause of the fire is currently unknown, but investigators are on scene.

“This is the time of the year when our temperatures are at the highest,” Baum said. “Wild land fuels are extremely dried out. We want to remind everybody, not just with wild land fires, but also with any type of wood products, as hot as it gets this time of year, be careful with any type of flame or sparks.”