Firefighters Urge Caution Following String Of Gas-Triggered Explosion

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A string of fiery explosions at Utah cabins in recent days has raised red flags for a lot of cabin owners and homeowners worried about gas leaks.

From an explosion near Heber City on February 15th to a cabin explosion and fire near Alta the very next day. Over the weekend another cabin blast in Southern Utah late Saturday night.

All three explosions have something in common. They were sparked by natural gas or propane leaks.

“We will respond to a gas leak call, easily once a week,” said Toby Norton, firefighter with the American Fork Fire Department.

He says gas leaks are common. He added that, although they are small, gas that has accumulated, particularly at cabins where someone hasn’t been inside for a few days, can be hazardous.

“If that gas leaks and it is going to go to a low point, and if there is no way for it to exhaust itself, that is when tragedies happen,” he said.

He says if you ever walk into a cabin or house and smell that distinctive gas odor leave and get it checked out.

“If you smell that natural gas smell, that rotten egg smell, the best thing for you to do is to get out, you leave the residence, call 911,” he added.

In some instances, Norton worries people are hesitant to call 911. He says when it comes to any gas leak, never be afraid to call.

“I would much rather go to a gas leak where everybody is safe outside and nothing happens, as opposed to go to a house that has ignited and we have to recover bodies,” he said.

Similar to smoke detectors, you can install a gas detector in your home for about $60 dollars from most hardware stores, which will alert you if any dangerous gas is leaking inside.

While everyone has survived the accidental explosions in recent days, Norton hopes awareness from these disasters will help people to take precautions.

“Making people aware of what to do, how to take care of the situation, that is going to help, that is going to help save lives.”