5-alarm fire in Salt Lake City shuts down part of I-80
By DJ Bolerjack Friday, July 8th 2016
(KUTV) Salt Lake Fire Crews are responding to a large 5-alarm blaze near 4201 W. 700 South.
According to the Salt Lake City Fire Department, callers are reporting that pallets and buildings are on fire Hazmats may be involved and there have been reports of explosions on scene.
SLC Fire tweeted out saying they had approximately 100 firefighters from multiple agencies on scene, one of those firefighters is reported to have received minor injuries, no other injuries at this time.
The smoke and flames have spread out so much UDOT has closed down both eastbound and westbound lanes for drivers on I-80 between I-215 West and 5600 W. near milepost 115.
John Gleason, with UDOT said they aren't sure how long the I-80 will be closed, and since the closure people have been making bad decisions just for a photo of the blaze.
"There were some concerns with the closure, that we were stopping traffic on the freeway. Anyone who stops on the freeway stay in your cars." Gleason said and added, "There were people stopping on the freeway, getting out of the vehicles to take pictures of the fire. This is absolutely unsafe and not recommended."
Gleason also said there were even a few people turning around on the freeway.
As for those flying today, the Salt Lake International airport has confirmed that this fire is not affecting air traffic.
About 2,000 customers lost power, but officials at Rocky Mountain Power could not confirm whether the blaze was responsible.
SLC Fire has advised that people stay away from the smoke and flames until hazmat substances are known.