SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 2, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) -- Salt Lake City Fire crews were dispatched to a grass fire on the Ensign Peak trail Wednesday afternoon, and were able to douse the blaze before it spread too far.
Capt. Chad Jepperson, SLCFD, said the call came to dispatch just a little after 4 p.m.
"We were actually dispatched to the trail head, and crews arrived and found a fire active at this location," he said.
"Quick action by the first in crews, happened to be our wildland apparatus that arrived, they put water on it initially."
Other apparatus arrived shortly afterward, "and we kind of circled it, started working on it," Jepperson said. "It was about an acre and a half in size when it started. It looks like right now, it's under five acres, but I would say it's near three or so."
Photo: Salt Lake City Fire
"We were kind of lucky that this fire was not the fastest moving. As we've seen, with a little bit of wind here, this could have been a totally different situation. Even just a five mile per hour wind, this could have changed drastically. But luck was in our favor, and the skills and the firefighters that arrived were able to get a quick knockdown, and it took about 20 minutes, what we call an under control."
Photo: Salt Lake City Fire
Under control means that, although there may be flames, fire is not progressing or continuing to grow, Jepperson said.
"They're actually still working on that now, but it's essentially out at this point."
A couple hikers in the area self-evacuated safely, Jepperson said. Investigators remained on the scene as of early evening. Jepperson said because of fire engines and other equipment on scene, the roadway remains closed.
Jepperson said he hopes people will respect firework bans in place.
"If you go to Salt Lake City Fire Department's website, there's a map there that describes exactly where it is legal and illegal to light fireworks. The state has initiated a statewide fire ban that is outside of Salt Lake City. So if you're traveling, you need to know where you're going and what's legal and what's not legal, but non incorporated parts of Utah have a fire ban and a fireworks ban on it."
Photo: Gephardt Daily/Patrick Benedict
The same rules go for the July 24th celebration period, when fireworks also are permitted in limited areas. Jepperson said drone shows are a great alternative.
Fire safety is always important, he said, and careless accidents can result in wildfires, structure fires and death.
"The consequence of burning somebody's house down or a large amount of property or injuring somebody is not worth it for fireworks."
