WILDFIRE

Fire season starts in Draper with two blazes

Jul 2, 2019, 6:01 PM | Updated: 6:09 pm

...

DRAPER – Fire crews in Draper have been extremely busy as they’ve had to deal with two grass fires in less than 24 hours.  Some fire officials worry people may not be taking safety seriously enough.

The bigger fire happened next to Flight Park at the Point of the Mountain, but, luckily it only charred a few acres.  Even though it appeared to get close to homes, residents on Steep Mountain Road didn’t seem to panic.  In fact, one family ate Otter Pops and watched from the porch.

One woman says, “Yeah, just to watch how [crews] are handling it and protecting us has been neat.”

Families in three homes were put on standby for evacuation, but Draper City Fire Chief Clint Smith says those people didn’t need to leave because crews were able to knock the flames away despite certain things working against them.

“We have a lot of steep terrain and a lot of vegetation in the area that’s making those areas challenging to fight,” Smith says.

The earlier fire started shortly after midnight west of the train tracks, which only burned about an acre.  Smith says it was definitely caused by someone setting off fireworks in a restricted area.  It appeared the culprit may have been trying to modify the firework devices.

“There was one cake that was intact down there, but there was another cake that had been dismantled in a manner to try and experiment with how they can use those fireworks,” he says.

Smith warns people not to get into a false sense of security about fire danger.  The wet spring caused grasses to become thick and tall, but they’re drying out quickly, now.

“Today should be an example of even though there still looks to be a lot of greenery in the growth, it will burn very readily,” Smith says, adding, “I don’t want people to drop their guard.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Wildfire

Deer crossing sign...

Adam Small

New deer crossing tech will alert drivers when wildlife is nearby

Drivers on SR-73 in Eagle Mountain could soon see flashing lights and a warning to slow down thanks to new infrared technology.

11 months ago

This season's spring runoff may lead to high fire danger later in the year. Water flowing down the ...

Allessandra Harris

Spring runoff feeding fire fuel, but well-placed rain showers will help

Water flowing down the mountains is bringing grasses and vegetation to life. Eventually, these grasses will dry out and create a fire risk.

11 months ago

elk are crossing i-80, their presence will cause closure on saturday...

Kate Davis

Parts of I-80 closing temporarily in Parleys Canyon due to elk

The temporary I-80 closure will affect East Canyon and some on and off-ramps in the area. Closures start at 10 a.m. Saturday.

1 year ago

wildfires...

Allessandra Harris

The North Tooele Fire District says this year’s fire danger is high

That's why the North Tooele Fire District wants residents to start thinking about fire mitigation practices now.

1 year ago

Be aware and respectful of winter wildlife while recreating outside. Salt Lake City Public Lands sh...

Waverly Golden

Be aware of winter wildlife while recreating outside

Be aware and respectful of winter wildlife while recreating outside. Salt Lake City Public Lands shares some tips to do so.

1 year ago

Prosecutors are dismissing the case against a man accused of starting the Jacob City Fire in July....

Adam Small

Case of Jacob City Fire suspect dismissed

Prosecutors are dismissing the case against a man accused of starting the Jacob City Fire in July.

1 year ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Fire season starts in Draper with two blazes