Update: Sandy mayor reveals snow removal plan after $5M fire incinerates plows

SANDY, Utah, Jan. 27, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan has revealed a plan to keep city roads clear of snow after a fire overnight destroyed 11 of the city’s snowplows and one salt truck.

More than 100 firefighters in about 20 trucks responded to the scene, at the Sandy Public Utilities Building, 8775 S. 700 West, when the call came in just before midnight on Thursday. The blaze destroyed at least half of the building, which was 40 years old and did not have a sprinkler system.

“A huge thank you to all who quickly helped contain the fire, preventing additional damage,” Dolan said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon. “We are incredibly thankful to those additional agencies and fire crews who made such an impact containing the blaze.”

Investigators believe the cause of the fire was a mechanical or electrical malfunction in one of the 10-wheelers stored in the facility, Dolan said. No one was hurt in the blaze, which also consumed a mechanics’ work area.

The damage is estimated at $5 million.

Seven or so snowplows or vehicles that could be retrofitted with snowplow attachments were stored in another building.

The city is insured for property and auto loss, he said, and insurance representatives already have been on the scene.

“We’ve also received multiple offers from cities to pick up routes and provide equipment as needed,” Dolan said. “We are incredibly grateful for the offers of help we’ve received from other cities and will use their resources as necessary.”

“Lastly, as a backup plan, we’ve lined up the ability to lease equipment.”

Dolan said residents don’t need to worry, even though a storm is predicted for next week.

“We already have this plan underway and our residents’ needs will be fully met for all future storms. We have always placed the highest priority on having the best and quickest snow clearing service in the State — and that will continue without even the slightest change.”

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