Record-breaking heat waves and a string of recent fires have strained emergency crews across the Salt Lake Valley, as firefighters battled multiple blazes in Millcreek and Midvale during temperatures that reached 109 degrees in Salt Lake City.
Heat Exhaustion During Millcreek Fire
During a period of extreme heat, the Unified Fire Authority responded to four separate fires in the Millcreek-Holladay area between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning. The intense weather conditions took a physical toll on responders, as one firefighter required treatment for heat exhaustion while battling a fully involved house fire.
Millcreek Townhome Structure Fire
The Millcreek incident occurred on Sunday, July 12, when a townhome near 1190 East Gregson Ave caught fire at approximately 8:45 p.m. According to the Unified Fire Authority, the structure was fully involved in flames. While all occupants evacuated the building safely, the fire reportedly started on the porch and forced local road closures.
Record Breaking Temperatures
The fire took place as Salt Lake City recorded its highest temperature ever since weather records began in 1874. On Sunday, July 12, the city reached 109 degrees before 3 p.m., prompting an extreme heat warning for the region.
Midvale Neighborhood Blaze
In Midvale, a fire burning between two homes in an older neighborhood caused thick smoke to be visible from Interstate 15 on Thursday, July 3. The blaze near 3rd Avenue and Main Street prompted some evacuations as flames spread through a backyard.
Damage to Midvale Property
Residents living near the Midvale fire described hearing loud booms and seeing black smoke filling their homes. While the fire destroyed a shed and a camper, as well as melting the siding on a nearby house, firefighters prevented the flames from torching the primary residences. No injuries were reported in the Midvale incident.
Ongoing Fire Management
In addition to structure fires, crews have been managing grass fires near I-80. The Salt Lake City Fire Department and Unified Fire Authority worked together to contain a 5-acre grass fire near 7200 West on eastbound I-80.
