Wildfire breaks out along I-15 after sparks come off car near Mona
Jun 7, 2022, 7:04 PM | Updated: May 21, 2023, 4:42 pm
JUAB COUNTY, Utah — A new wildfire has broken out in Juab County.
The Dutson Fire sparked along Interstate 15, near mile marker 233, on Tuesday, according to local fire officials.
At 6:35 p.m., the fire was estimated at 10+ acres and local fire officials said structures were being threatened.
New 🔥 Start: The #DutsonFire is located in Juab Co. on I-15, MM 233. One lane of SB I-15 in the area has been closed. The fire was caused from a vehicle fire that spread to the wildland. Fire is estimated at 10+ acres. Structures are threatened. Resources en route. #ffslkmy pic.twitter.com/mxY3AwriQ6
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 8, 2022
Just after 7:30 p.m., it was announced that firefighters had stopped forward progress of the blaze.
“Fire personnel are working toward containment of what is now an estimated 15 acre wildfire,” read another tweet from Utah Fire Info.
Local fire officials said crews would remain on scene Tuesday evening and continue mop-up efforts.
(Utah Department of Transportation)
In the latest update, local fire officials said the Dutson Fire was determined to be caused by a vehicle dragging chains, adding that it had burned close to 30 acres.
“Trailer chains can spark wildfires, so it’s essential to secure them properly so they don’t drag while driving. Please do your part & use your #FireSense.”
The #DutsonFire was determined to be caused by a vehicle dragging chains. 29.6 acres burned. Trailer chains can spark wildfires, so it’s essential to secure them properly so they don’t drag while driving. Please do your part & use your #FireSense #ffslkmy pic.twitter.com/PnH2nEt2wr
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 8, 2022
The wildfire comes as the state prepares to experience some high temperatures in the coming days.
“By Thursday, we’re going to see really, really high temps. And also, in southern Utah, the relative humidity is going to drop to single digits, so that’s a perfect storm for a fire, a wildfire,” said Kayli Yardley with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands.
State fire officials are really driving home the message about making sure vehicles are properly maintained. You don’t want bald tires. You want to check your brake pads. You want to make sure tow chains are accounted for and not dragging because anything that could potentially spark could be a problem.
Good news is fire crews say they have not seen the number of human-caused fires this year that they’ve seen the last two years. They say, though, this is not the time to be complacent.
