Smithfield fire sparked by heat gun used to thaw pipes

By Michael McFall

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Jan 03 2013 04:41 pm • Last Updated Jan 03 2013 04:51 pm

An attempt to thaw pipes on Thursday morning sparked a fire in Smithfield.

About 10:46 a.m., firefighters from Smithfield, North Logan, Logan and Cache County responded to a fire at a trailer home at 610 W. 100 North. The first ones on scene reported smoke and flames coming from the mobile home, according to a news release.

The fire started in a small utility closet that housed the water heater and furnace, Smithfield Fire Chief Jay Downs said in a statement. The fire spread into the adjacent bedroom and bathroom before firefighters had it under control.

Investigators found that a heat gun — normally used to remove paint and decals — was instead being used to thaw pipes, sparking the fire.

The fire caused about $30,000 damage. No one was hurt.

Smithfield Fire Battalion Chief Mike Weibel added in a statement that people should remember not to leave portable heating devices unattended.

mmcfall@sltrib.com

Twitter: @mikeypanda

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