Grass fire in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah – Barrels exploded due to a grass fire in Salt Lake City, hazmat fire crews are investigating what was inside.  Firefighters said they feel lucky they managed to get in front of it before it became a serious problem near an industrial area.

According to fire crews, they responded to a fire on Pearl Street, 970 West, just south of 1700 South around 2:30 p.m.

Salt Lake Fire Captain Anthony Burton said they’re still trying to determine what caused it, but it looks like it started near the road.

“It appears to have started in the grass and then moved into an industrial area that had industrial barrels,” Burton said.

According to Burton although the barrels were reported as being empty, they started exploding.  It’s possible nothing dangerous was inside, but Burton said sealed barrels can still explode in a hazmat fire when the liquid inside becomes a vapor.

Burton said, “Sometimes, even a mild or moderate amount of content can cause a barrel to vaporize and explode.”

According to Burton with dry grass and the wind the fire Crews are very lucky to be able to get ahead and keep the fire under five acres.

“It’s a red flag warning day and we’ve got quite a bit of wind, high heat and low humidity.  SO, it could have been catastrophic,” he said.  “The biggest thing on days like today and throughout this summer is to be cautious.  Search your vehicles for anything that might be dragging.  Don’t park in the high grasses that we have.”