Area in west Sandy evacuated due to warehouse fire

[Updated 4 p.m., Dec. 20]

A warehouse fire at 8550 South 700 West in Sandy around 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19 led to an evacuation of the area due to possible health hazards in the smoke.

Around 10:30 a.m. the Sandy Fire Department got called out to the Fur Breeders Agricultural Co-Op at that address. The fire was reportedly started when someone in the building tried to defrost a pipe with a torch. Everyone within a two-block radius was evacuated because a strong ammonia odor was detected.

The Salt Lake Health Department and the National Guard was called in to test the air. Sandy City Communication Director Trina Duerksen said although the odor was strong around the building, the National Guard determined there was no threat to businesses and residents.

The fire was contained by late this afternoon. However, the roof collapsed, making it impossible for fire fighters to enter the building. Duerksen said they will do that on Tuesday.

Four agencies responded to the fire - West Jordan, South Jordan, Unified Fire and Sandy. By 3 p.m., most people were back in their homes and businesses. Power was restored shortly after 4. The Sandy Parkway was also opened again at that time.

Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Cline said the fire department does not think the fire was arson, but because fire fighters were unable to enter the building, the official cause hasn't been determined. The building does not house any animals.

Fire crews were still on site late Dec. 20 dousing hot spots.

“Because of the way the roof collapsed, there are still voids, areas that are still smoldering,” Cline said around 3 p.m. Dec. 20. “A few areas underneath have actually had flames.”

At that time, Cline expected crews to stay on site the rest of the day, possibly into the night.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation but Cline said it seemed likely it was a result of the employee using a torch the thaw a pipe.

The Co-op facility is composed of four to five interconnected buildings, Cline said.

“I’d say the main building is a total loss with the roof collapsing,” he said.