Beehive State firefighters still buzzing after semi with 25M bees breaks down

Unified Fire Authority crews were called Tuesday to assist a broken down semitrailer hauling an estimated 25 million bees.

Unified Fire Authority crews were called Tuesday to assist a broken down semitrailer hauling an estimated 25 million bees. (Unified Fire Authority )


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PARLEYS CANYON — A broken down semitruck in Parleys Canyon had Unified firefighters buzzing Tuesday, not to mention 25 million of the truck's passengers.

On Tuesday, a semi hauling 25 million bees broke down in Parleys Canyon. Crews from Unified Fire Authority's Millcreek station responded and were kept busy.

"While mechanics worked on the truck, firefighters carefully used a hose to mist the trailer and keep the bees cool, calm and safe in the heat. With the unseasonable hot temperatures yesterday, the bees were at risk of dying if the truck stayed parked in the sun for too long," the fire department said in a statement.

The semitrailer was hauling about 480 hives, each containing 40,000 to 60,000 honey bees.

"We're happy to report that no firefighters were stung during the operation," Unified fire said. "Honestly one of the coolest reminders that first responders don't just save people … sometimes they save 25 million bees, too."

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Pat Reavy, KSLPat Reavy
Pat Reavy interned with KSL in 1989 and has been a full-time journalist for either KSL or Deseret News since 1991. For the past 25 years, he has worked primarily the cops and courts beat.
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