Firefighters help stranded Santa after car catches fire

Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY

A stranded Santa Claus whose car caught fire Christmas morning is sure to put one northern Utah fire department on his nice list next year.

Steven Macey, a Santa-for-hire dressed in a red suit and beard, was on his way to deliver presents at a home when his car overheated and caught fire about 6:30 a.m. Friday, according to Lone Peak Fire Battalion Chief Joseph McRae.

Macey, 66, was not injured.

He has been portraying Santa for decades. After making appearances at Christmas Eve parties until 1 a.m., he headed to an early Christmas appointment at a home in Alpine, about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Macey said his older car began smoking after he climbed a snowy hill. He got out of the car and retrieved his St. Nick coat, belt and bells before moving away and calling 911.

A passing driver stopped and let him wait in the vehicle until firefighters arrived.

“They were stunned when I came walking down the road – a Santa,” Macey said. “They all wanted pictures.”