Authorities lifted an evacuation order Monday morning following a gas leak and resulting fire that prompted residents in parts of South Salt Lake to leave their homes Sunday evening.
The mandatory evacuation affected the area from 3300 South to 3500 South and West Temple to 200 West. Residents were advised to avoid the zone while crews addressed the situation.
An evacuation shelter was established at 3805 S. Main in South Salt Lake for those displaced.
The incident began Sunday evening when fire crews, already in the area for a truck fire caused by a downed power line, discovered the ground was also burning.
South Salt Lake Fire Chief Terry Addison reported that natural gas had entered sewer lines and storm drains. He also voiced concerns about not knowing the amount of gas in the line and the risk of residual gas in buildings after the supply was shut off.
Officials said the leak was stopped, and gas and power were restored to the affected area shortly after 7 a.m. Monday. The fire was reportedly out by 10 p.m. Sunday.
Repairs by the gas company continued Monday morning. The road along West Temple remained closed due to the work, which involved heavy machinery and open holes to access gas lines. TRAX service, which had been temporarily disrupted, resumed around 10 p.m. Sunday.
The cause of the gas leak salt lake city is under investigation. Officials plan to go door-to-door to check that all meters are working correctly.
Michelle Real Campos, who works nearby, observed the scene unfold. She stated that watching the fire near her workplace was difficult.
Chief Addison estimated approximately 300 people were evacuated, with about 30 utilizing the temporary shelter.
