S.L. industrial-area fire spews thick smoke

A fire that spread from grass to a wood pallet company threw thick plumes of black smoke in the air Friday night in a northern Salt Lake industrial area.

But Rex Merkey, manager of Central Pallet of Utah Inc., said the business will pull through.

"It's kind of sad," he said. "We've lost some trucks and trailers and a lot of our inventory, but I think we'll be OK."

Three alarms were called to get enough personnel on site at 850 S. Bangerter Highway (4400 West.) Firefighters took up a defensive mode to keep the blaze from spreading through the industrial area, said Dennis McKone, administrative assistant to the Salt Lake City fire chief. He said more than 60 firefighters, nine fire engines and three ladder trucks battled the blaze.

The fire moved quickly because a lot of the inventory on site consisted of wood pallets, used for stocking in warehouses. Merkey said the business has been at that location for only six years, but has been doing business since 1991.

"We'll keep it going though," he said.

Flames reached nearly 75 feet high and caused several propane tanks housed near the business to explode.

McKone said a large quantity of water was the only defense in trying to contain the fire.

The smoke could be seen from all over the valley, causing some air traffic to be rerouted, according to airport dispatchers. Hoses stretched across tracks halted a train that was scheduled to pass through the area as well.

McKone said other agencies in the valley sent units to the city to handle emergencies and medical calls while the majority of Salt Lake City's units were on the scene. He said the fire's cause is under investigation.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com