Latest news with #UnifiedFireAuthority
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fire officials stress the importance of taking proper precautions in the heat
SALT LAKE CITY () — From spending the day in the sun to hiking and working up a sweat in hot temperatures, fire officials emphasize the importance of taking proper safety precautions in the heat. As temperatures continue to rise each summer, first responders say awareness and prevention are more important than ever. Whether it's a hike in the mountains or an afternoon in the sun, the risk for heat-related illness climbs as the temperature climbs. 'Heat exposure and people just being tired from being out in the environment is what we mostly see,' Jahn Davis, Paramedic with Unified Fire Authority said. In the last five years, 47 Utahns have died from heat-related illnesses, including dehydration and heat stroke, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services says. 'Getting dehydrated is easy to do in these hot summer months so the key thing we want to focus on is what was that person doing before we got there,' Davis said. RELATED: Increased risk for heat-related illnesses and deaths as temperatures rise: Data Davis, a paramedic for Unified Fire Authority, shared how they treat heat-related calls, saying every second counts. 'We'll just get them in the back of the ambulance and start cooling them with air conditioning and ice packs and take some of their clothes off so they can start to cool down rapidly,' Davis said. Unified Fire spokesperson Kelly Bird says heat illness is on a spectrum. 'If someone is exhibiting some of the symptoms of a heat emergency, get them into a cool area whether that be a shade or an air-conditioned facility. If they have extra layers of clothing on, open up their shorts or take their shoes off, or cool fluids or an ice pack on their head or their armpits,' Bird said. There are two kinds of heat illness. The less severe one, heat exhaustion, requires ice packs and fluids. 'Drink lots of water, always carry water with you, and don't forget sunscreen,' Bird said. The more severe one is heat stroke, and fire officials said it can be deadly, and their treatment methods become more aggressive. 'We always treat what we see in the airway, breathing, and circulation. And we assess if there's any trauma related to being out in the environment,' Davis said. Victim's family reacts to convicted killer being ruled competent to be executed Davis said protocols also evolve, based on research and best practices. 'We have a medical doctor over each EMT and paramedic. They look at the research and develop treatment protocols based on what works best overall,' Davis said. Preparation is the best defense against the heat. 'Stay hydrated, wear a hat, or bring an umbrella. We always tell hikers to have water, an extra change of clothes, and be prepared, especially if you're going into the backcountry,' Davis said. Fire officials say never hesitate to call 911 if someone shows signs of heat illness because you just might save a life. Fire officials stress the importance of taking proper precautions in the heat Weight stigma has largest impact on mental health after weight loss surgery, study finds More than 5,500 customers without power in Salt Lake Valley Police warning about Utah toll scam texts — How not to get scammed Reporter hit by rubber bullet during live report from Los Angeles immigration protests Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Crews respond to fire at Salt Lake County Jail
SALT LAKE CITY () — Crews responded to reports of a fire at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on Thursday morning, officials confirmed. Details on the fire are limited, but a spokesperson with the Unified Fire Authority said the fire started around 10:30 a.m. on June 5. It was still an active incident as of 12:15 p.m. It is currently unclear what sparked the fire or the extent of the damage to the jail. ABC4 has a crew on scene to learn more and will update this story as more information becomes available. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Water usage is trending high in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Public Utilities says Crews respond to fire at Salt Lake County Jail Senate GOP prepares to unveil SNAP piece of Trump agenda bill as some expect changes Trump blames Musk's opposition to 'big, beautiful bill' on EV policies President Trump meets with German chancellor Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Magna house fire investigated as possible arson, suspect in custody
MAGNA, Utah () — A house fire at a residential neighborhood in Magna is now being investigated as a possible arson, with one woman being taken into custody as a suspect. Firefighters with the Unified Fire Authority responded to the home around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20. Benjamin Porter, a spokesperson for UFA, told that firefighters were able to quickly put out the small fire in the home's basement. Several people were reportedly inside the home at the time of the fire, but Porter said they were all able to safely self-evacuate and there were no injuries. After a preliminary investigation, one woman, identified as Alexis Jennifer Crumback, 38, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. Court documents indicate she faces on count of first-degree felony aggravated arson. Delta stowaway sentenced after sneaking onto plane at Salt Lake International Airport According to the court documents, residents of the home said the room where the fire started belonged to Crumback, who could not be found while firefighters were on scene. Investigators report the fire did not appear to be started through any electrical cause or 'obvious ignition source.' After Crumback was safely taken into custody, officials report she made statements about how she would 'come back and burn the house down' after being released. Crumback has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. Court records show Crumback has a history of arson dating back as far as 2017. Crumback pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony count of attempted arson in 2018 for an incident at a Salt Lake City home the year before, where she reportedly set a carport and attached studio on fire. Crumback pleaded guilty again to third-degree felony arson in 2022 for a 2021 incident where she reportedly set a minivan on fire in Salt Lake City. The minivan became a complete loss after it became fully engulfed in flames, also damaging nearby power lines. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Study aims to address transportation barriers between east, west Salt Lake Electric vehicle catches fire, causes $200K in damages at Kaysville home 'Joyful, kind person': Family of victim in deadly St. George crash speaks after 92-year-old woman dies These are the key last-minute changes to Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' Two Israeli embassy staff members shot and killed near DC Jewish museum Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
36-unit Midvale apartment building evacuated due to fire, flooding
MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4) — A 36-unit apartment building in Midvale was evacuated early Saturday morning due to a fire, according to the Unified Fire Authority. Shortly before 12:30 a.m. on March 8, fire crews responded to an alarm at an apartment building located on the 7900 South block of Main Street. Personnel arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming out of the three-story building, according to Kelly Bird, Unified Fire. Local police were already on scene evacuating residents, according to Bird. Sen. Dan Thatcher leaves Republican party for Utah Forward party The fire reportedly started in a bottom-floor apartment at the end of the building. Authorities believe the fire started due to an issue with a bathroom fan. The fire spread upward, causing damage to two additional apartments directly above — on the second and third floors. Additionally, a water line broke on the bottom floor, causing six inches of water to flood all 12 units on the floor. It is unknown whether this was related to or caused by the fire, Bird said. All residents on the bottom floor, as well as the residents of the apartments above the unit where the fire started, have been displaced. The rest of the units sustained varying degrees of smoke damage, according to Bird. Red Cross is assisting with those displaced. No injuries occurred during this incident. Sandy Fire, West Jordan Fire, South Salt Lake Fire, and Draper Fire also assisted with this response. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
