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SALT LAKE CITY — A grass fire near the Salt Lake City International Airport is now under control after it delayed some flights and temporarily closed Bangerter Highway and Interstate 80.
The fire began around 3:30 p.m. near I-80 and 5600 West, said Salt Lake fire spokesman Shaun Mumedy. Crews arrived on the scene within five minutes and were later joined by crews from West Valley City, Murray and Unified Fire Authority.
High winds quickly pushed the fire both laterally along I-80 and east and west.
One person was taken to the hospital with minor smoke inhalation after being stuck on I-80 while it was closed, Mumedy said.
The Utah Highway Patrol earlier said the fire started after a transformer exploded, but Mumedy said the fire is still under investigation.
"Whatever started it was greatly contributed by this red flag warning that we've had over the last couple of days with the high temps, ultra dry humidity — low percentage in the humidity — and then obviously the wind," Mumedy said.
While some flights were delayed, none have been canceled so far, airport spokeswoman Nancy Volmer said.
