Only chimney remains after Utah house containing old dynamite detonated in Holladay

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HOLLADAY — A chimney and the smell of smoke was all that remained of a home in Holladay Wednesday after a significant amount of old dynamite was discovered inside.

Officials said the dynamite had to be detonated inside the home at 2284 E. 6200 South, and the home had to be blown up because of how volatile the situation was.

Unified Fire Authority Assistant Chief Riley Pilgrim told KSL-TV that there were "an estimated" 50 sticks of dynamite in and outside the house, consisting of about 30 pounds in total. Pilgrim said it was also anywhere from 40 to 80 years old and crystalizing.

"Those crystals become very sensitive to heat damage if you drop it or tip it over in a case; bright lights or anything like that could actually detonate the dynamite where normally it needs a blasting cap or (detonating) cord or something," he said.

Neighbors said the homeowner's late husband was a chemist, and officials said there were lots of other explosive materials in the basement.

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