SALT LAKE CITY — After the last flames were doused and while suffering from second-degree burns, Chris Blatchford was back home doing what he does best, bringing his Avenues community together over his homemade food.

“What’s the purpose of a backyard barbecue if you can’t be friends with everyone and help out someone.”

Blatch’s barbecue has been a staple in Avenues for nearly 5 years.

But things took a dramatic turn on Wednesday.

Chris, who is a type 1 diabetic, had an adverse reaction to some new medication and collapsed while holding a lighter.

That sparked a fire, which destroyed his garage, which contained some of his prep and cooking equipment.

Fire crews were on scene in about five minutes and had to blaze under control in under 30 minutes, and Chris survived.

“It’s miraculous

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