LOCAL NEWS

Firefighters Say 3 Murray Brush Fires Are Suspicious; Police Say They Were Intentionally Set

Jul 30, 2019, 10:22 PM

MURRAY, Utah — Three fires sparked blocks apart and within roughly 15 minutes Tuesday evening, leaving investigators searching for those responsible for the blazes, which were labeled as “suspicious.”

Murray City Assistant Fire chief Chad Pascua said the fires, which started near 200 West and 600 West along 4500 South, and at roughly 4700 South along the Jordan River Parkway, started to break out at around 5:15 p.m.

“All three fires happened really fast—within 15 minutes—which is very suspicious,” Pascua said. “The one on 45th South just west of the freeway was the biggest one—about 3 acres.”

Pascua said that fire burned close to some shipping containers, but none of the fires damaged property or resulted in injuries.

Murray City Police Sgt. Martin Barlow said it appeared the fires were intentionally set.

“We got variable descriptions of the suspects involved,” Barlow said. “Containment was set up, but no one matching the descriptions was located.”

Pascua said the outcome easily could have been worse.

“When people start illegal fires, they don’t know where they’re going to go because the winds shift,” Pascua said. “They can injure people, they can cause property loss—so it’s something that we take really seriously.”

The fire marshal was still working at last update Tuesday evening to pinpoint the cause of the fires.

Bob Lindsey, who lives close to where the fire started along the Jordan River Parkway, said neighbors are well aware of the fire hazards in the area.

“You walk down there, you can see burnt trees here, burnt trees there,” he said. “It’s not uncommon here—it’s just not a good thing!”

He said fires intentionally set in areas where many people live, work and recreate are very concerning.

“Yeah, we have children and babies in the house, and it’s not a good thing,” Lindsey said. “I just don’t want to see them homeless because of a fire, I don’t want to see them burned in a fire and I don’t want to see them frightened, either.”

Barlow said anyone with information is asked to call police dispatch at 801-840-4000.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

18 minutes ago

Chad Daybell and his attorney, John Prior, appear in a hearing on Oct. 29, 2020...

Larry D. Curtis

Gag order issued for upcoming Chad Daybell murder trial

With jury selection only days away in the murder trial of former Utahn Chad Guy Daybell, the court has issued a gag order concerning the case.

29 minutes ago

Lehi homes...

Daniel Woodruff

Governor highlights bills to help Utah homebuyers

Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday highlighted several new bills he just signed into law that are aimed at getting more buyers into the market.

33 minutes ago

The Brigham Young University national landscaping team posing in front of the grounds....

Lindsay Aerts

BYU wins National Collegiate Landscaping Competition for the 5th time in 6 years

The BYU Cougars claimed have claimed their fifth National Collegiate Landscaping Competition in six years.

35 minutes ago

A previous drug bust where authorities found Fentanyl....

Brianna Chavez

DEA says fentanyl seizure on track to surpass last year’s numbers

A troubling trend for law enforcement as the DEA says more fentanyl is making its way to Utah.

1 hour ago

Tina Gomez was 27 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis....

Emma Benson

‘It’s different every day’: Understanding multiple sclerosis and its prevalence in Utah

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a chance to talk about this neurological condition which affects more than 30,000 Utahns.

1 hour ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Firefighters Say 3 Murray Brush Fires Are Suspicious; Police Say They Were Intentionally Set