Evacuation orders in South Salt Lake have been lifted after a gas leak and fire prompted mandatory evacuations. The incident began when an unoccupied truck caught fire around 5 p.m., possibly due to a downed power line. Firefighters discovered flames emerging from the ground, indicating a gas leak, which led to gas being shut off by 9 p.m. Power and gas were restored by 7:30 a.m. the following day, although the area remained closed for road repairs. Approximately 300 residents were evacuated, and a shelter was provided for those displaced, allowing pets.
SOUTH SALT LAKE—Evacuation orders have been rescinded, and utilities have been restored in a South Salt Lake area that required mandatory evacuations Sunday evening due to a gas leak and fire.
The city had issued a mandatory evacuation for residents located between 3300-3500 South and between West Temple and 200 West. Residents can now return to their homes.
Watch: Officials provide an update on South Salt Lake evacuations
Watch: Officials provide an update on South Salt Lake evacuations
South Salt Lake Fire Chief Terry Addison reported that the situation began shortly after 5 p.m. when an unoccupied vehicle caught fire. Firefighters observed a downed power line on the vehicle, which may have ignited the flames. The specific cause is still under investigation.
While extinguishing the truck fire, the crew detected flames erupting from the ground. They identified a gas leak beneath the roadway and promptly alerted the gas company.
The gas was shut off shortly after 9 p.m., and the fire was extinguished. However, evacuations remained in effect until 9:45 p.m. Although the leak was addressed, the fire chief indicated that the evacuation order would persist overnight.
As of 7:30 a.m., the South Salt Lake Fire Department confirmed that gas and power were restored, but West Temple remains closed due to ongoing gas company operations involving heavy equipment and road excavation.
TRAX service in the vicinity was temporarily suspended but resumed around 10 p.m.
An evacuation shelter is set up at a church located at 3805 S. Main Street, where pets are permitted. Addison estimated approximately 300 individuals were evacuated from the area.
Approximate area of evacuation: