Grass Fire Burns On Hillside North Of Shepard Creek In Farmington

FARMINGTON, Utah — A grass fire has been burning on the hillside north of Shepard Creek for several hours. Fire officials said the flames are far away from any structures or subdivisions.

The fire started just before 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Farmington.

“Currently, it’s not threatening anything,” said Kim Osborn with the U.S. Forest Service. “It’s burning in some grass and oakbrush. It’s moving uphill.”

4/26/20 Shepard Creek Canyon grass fire. pic.twitter.com/6iKvJwdbUh

— Davis County Sheriff's Office (@DavisSheriffUT) April 26, 2020

Officials estimate the fire is about three acres in size, and they suspect it was sparked by a downed power line.

Fire crews from Farmington and Kaysville responded to the scene.

Only ground crews had access to the fire as it was in a “difficult spot.”

“We currently don’t have any air resources as some of our helicopters haven’t come on for the season, so this will definitely be a ground attack,” said Osborn.

Six firefighters hiked up the hillside to put out the blaze, but were pulled back because it would be close to dark by the time they got there.

Since no homes or nearby communities were being threatened, officials determined there was no need to risk the firefighters’ safety.

Officials said they don’t expect any flare-ups overnight.

“With the low temperatures and the humidity has come up, it’s probably going to get really quiet up there,” said Osborn.

Wildfire season doesn’t typically start until May, but the forest service said the conditions in the mountains are already very dry.

“If we do have a real dry spring, then of course, the fire danger is higher, so we need to prepare for that,” said Osborn.

Officials said 35 firefighters plan to hike up the hillside first thing in the morning to fight the fire.