Breaking News: Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Cottonwood Heights

Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Cottonwood Heights
Nervous homeowners look for hot spots after a fast moving wildfire threatened dozens of homes in Cottonwood Heights Tuesday. Photo: Kurt Walter/Gephardt Daily

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UTAH – September 1, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A fast-moving wildfire caused by an underground electrical vault equipment failure threatened dozens of homes in the Cottonwood Heights area Tuesday.

According to dispatchers, the 15-acre Quail Creek Fire started in a field near 9322 S. Wasatch Boulevard around 10 a.m. before making a run to the north and east through dry grass and heavy brush.

At least 30 fire crews were dispatched to the scene with a total of 130 personnel taking part in the operation.

More than 30 homes were evacuated as a precaution and more than 60 total were threatened.

The fire was ultimately contained to the west side of Wasatch Boulevard, although firefighters had to call in air support to bring the fire under control.

Helicopters with drop buckets continue to douse the area, while ground crews mop up hot spots.

Unified Fire Authority has now lifted all evacuations, and the goal is 100 percent containment by 10 p.m., though crews will stay at the scene throughout the night.

Unified Fire spokesman Rob Morley said: “The source has been isolated to an underground electrical vault, we are not sure who owns it or who is responsible at this time.” He said air support had been invaluable in containing the fire. “Air support is the best way to get ahead of things, we can only do so much from the ground.”

Wasatch Blvd. is still closed between 94th South and 96th South.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here