Utah receives more federal wildfire prevention funding

Three Utah organizations will receive more than $5.5 million in combined funds for wildfire prevention and defense. The money will help them defend against catastrophic wildfires. Karl Hunt, the spokesperson for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, said most of the federal grant money will fund a prevention project in Moab. The project will add more fuel breaks to areas of Moab. According to the National Resources Conservation Service, a fuel break is an area where vegetation and debris have been removed. The goal is to prevent fire from spreading. “When a wildfire does impact that area, (fuel breaks will) slow it down and crews (will be) able to catch it and keep it as minimal as possible,” said Hunt. Investing in wildfire prevention and defense ahead of time can save money down the road, according to Hunt.
KSL-FM 102.7 Salt Lake City

Semi trailer fire cleanup continues hours after shutting down I-15 in Utah County

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Overnight travelers heading northbound on I-15 in Utah County were forced to a complete stop near Santaquin early Thursday when a semi-truck's trailer caught fire and became fully engulfed, authorities said. The incident was first reported at 2:28 a.m. about two miles north of Santaquin, according to the Utah Department of Transportation, which originally estimated the scene would be cleared just before the morning commute. UDOT spokesman John Gleason told 2News that the truck was hauling wood when something caused it to combust, consuming the trailer. Northbound lanes were completely closed as fire crews responded to the scene.
KUTV-TV CBS 2 Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City firefighters and animal services rescue 3 troubled pooches

PHOTOS: Not quite the stereotypical cat-in-the-tree save, but the Salt Lake City Fire Department rescued a dog-on-the-roof among three canine calls. “Saving lives, one paw at a time,” the fire department proudly shared Tuesday online. “Recently, our Salt Lake City Swift Water Rescue team sprang into action, assisting Salt Lake County Animal Services to ensure the safety of two furry friends in need! “Their unwavering commitment to protecting all members of our community, furry or otherwise, is truly inspiring!” And that’s not all, the department said. "Truck 1 stepped in to save the day as well, rescuing an adventurous pup that found himself stranded on the roof of a residence."
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