SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah, Jan. 15, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Fire officials are investigating the cause of a small fire that broke out Monday night, displacing four people.
South Salt Lake Deputy Fire Chief Terry Addison said no one was injured and damage was minimal in a duplex unit near 3500 South and 500 East. Fire crews had the flames extinguished quickly.
“The point of origin was near the water heater,” Addison said. “We can’t say whether the water heater started the fire, though — the cause is still to be determined.”
When asked if water heaters often pose a hazard, Addison said, “If you have a lot of stuff piled around a gas heater, it can choke off the oxygen and cause the pilot light to flame out. A lot depends on the age of the water heater, too, gas or electric.”
He said the Red Cross responded and was helping with accommodations for those who were displaced.
“Damage was really minor,” Addison said. “The Red Cross is putting them up for tonight because the utilities had to be turned off.”
A water heater, just like a furnace, needs to be maintained and periodically checked to keep it operating properly and efficiently. You can call a plumber for professional help, or search the Internet for do-it-yourself maintenance tips.
