Firefighters Work To Contain Two Wildfires In Utah County

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah – Wildland firefighters worked to contain two separate fires on the Fourth of July – one in Saratoga Springs and the other in Spanish Fork Canyon.

South of Saratoga Springs, firefighters quickly knocked down a brush fire that started in the Coal Pit area. It was called in by target shooters a little after noon Thursday.

Crews from Saratoga Springs Fire & Rescue, the Utah County Fire Department, and the state responded. An airplane and two helicopters also helped from the sky.

Officials said heavy winds in the area helped fuel the fire.

“It spread pretty quickly. In a matter of 30 minutes it went from 0 to 50 acres. It spread pretty quick,” said Deputy Chief Kenny Johnson of Saratoga Springs Fire and Rescue. “I think with the winds, even if the moistures are up a little bit, it’s still going to go pretty fast.”

Johnson said the fire burned between 50 and 100 acres before it was knocked down. State fire crews planned to remain on scene throughout the night to create a containment line. They expected to have the fire fully contained Friday.

In Spanish Fork Canyon, crews continued work on a fire that started Wednesday. At last check, the Long Hollow Fire had burned through 70 acres and was 20 percent contained.

Fire officials said weather conditions have helped them.

“We had calm winds last night. The relative humidity is pretty high, so we’re really fortunate that it is as green and there is as much moisture in these fuels as there is – otherwise it could be a different scenario,” said Suzie Tenhagen, spokesperson with the USDA Forest Service.

Tenhagen said they expected to make a lot of progress throughout the day Thursday.