UTAH
Controlled detonation conducted after “ancient dynamite” discovered in Utah home
Residents in a Salt Lake City neighborhood were evacuated as crews prepared for the controlled detonation of a home containing large amounts of explosives.
A controlled detonation is planned for a home in Holladay after it was found to contain old explosives. Captain Tony Barker with Unified Fire Authority said that the homeowner called a friend to ask for advice on how to remove some “ancient dynamite” given to her by a family member. When they realized just how much explosive material was in the house, they called authorities. Barker said that the amount was “impressive in scope” and was found in every part of the house, including the garage, the basement, and the shed.
Some residents in the neighborhood have been evacuated for the detonation, which should be happening any minute. Some others were asked to shelter-in-place. The nearby homes should not be impacted, but the home containing the explosives is expected to be uninhabitable after the blast. The homeowner was able to collect personal items before the controlled explosion.
Officials are investigating if the homeowner will face criminal charges, though Barker said there did not appear to be any malicious intent with the explosives. It is currently unknown exactly how old or how much of the explosive material was found.
This is a developing story. We will update with more information as we receive it.
UPDATE: The controlled detonation was successfully carried out at around 4 a.m. local time