WILDFIRE
Update: Evacuations lifted for Lehi residents affected by Traverse Fire
Jun 28, 2020, 7:10 AM | Updated: 7:44 pm
The fire forced the evacuations of at least 42 homes in the Traverse Mountain area of Lehi and Alpine. Photo: Stephanie Avis, KSL TV
LEHI, Utah — Evacuation orders for Lehi residents in Autumn Hills and Spring Dew Lane neighborhoods have been lifted, the city said Sunday evening. Just a few hours later, the city also announced lifted evacuation orders for Maple Hollow neighborhood.
Residents are able to return to their homes after being evacuated overnight and earlier Sunday morning after fireworks sparked a fire.
Crews have assessed the area and confirm they don’t believe any flare-ups will occur in the area. However, they will be closely monitoring the situation over the next several hours.
Power should be restored to most households that went dark overnight — if not, residents are asked to contact Rocky Mountain Power for assistance.
Earlier today:
Wind gusts helped spread a fast-moving fire started by fireworks in the Traverse Mountain area of Lehi and Alpine overnight, according to state fire officials.
Kaitlyn Webb, Prevention & Fire Communications Coordinator with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, said initial estimates that the fire was over a thousand acres had been revised to 450 acres instead.
The #TraverseFire has been mapped at 450 acres. Evacuations will be reassessed after the anticipated, strong wind event in the forecast has passed. #ffslkw
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 28, 2020
According to Webb, over 200 resources responded, both on the ground and in the air.
The Traverse Fire in Lehi has been burning all night long after it was ignited by fireworks late last night. Nearby residents have been evacuated as crews continue in their attempts to control the blaze.
(Photo: Joshua Ellis) pic.twitter.com/FLBpyUU3Qo
— KSL NewsRadio (@kslnewsradio) June 28, 2020
“All because of Fireworks!” -Lehi Fire Chief saying “This is not over” more wind is expected this afternoon. Firefighters have been working all night, 100 homes evacuated, hopeful to get them return by this afternoon. Details on @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/7I8WZvI6op
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) June 28, 2020
Traverse Fire evacuations
Sunday morning, Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft told reporters about 100 people from 42 homes on Autumn Hills Drive remained evacuated. The Red Cross set up an evacuation center at Draper Park Middle School in Draper for residents who need a place to go.
LATEST UPDATE for #TraverseFire
The Evacuation Center at Skyridge High School in @LehiCity is now closed. Evacuees will need to go to go to the Evac Center in @drapercity – Draper Park Middle School – 13133 S. 1300 E. for assistance at this time.#UtahRedCross pic.twitter.com/8ldwXq55lG— American Red Cross of Utah (@RedCrossUtah) June 28, 2020
Craft said the fire no longer threatened any homes, but evacuations remained in place because of strong wind gusts expected later in the morning. According to Webb, the evacuation order would be re-evaluated after the wind storm passed through.
Fireworks not legal yet
Fireworks are allowed by law starting July 2 for the Independence Day holidays, which means setting them off at the end of June is against Utah law.
“Have your fun, don’t cause harm to others” Lehi Fire Chief talking about fireworks, which sparked a significant fire threatening homes and putting firefighters at risk. #TraverseFire
— Tanya Vea (@tanyavea) June 28, 2020
“This was preventable,” Craft said.
Craft said he believed Lehi Police and Utah County officials were working with the person responsible, who was said to be cooperating with investigators.
This story is developing and will be updated.
