A lot of neighbors came up on four-wheelers with shovels and also participated in making sure the fire didn't grow any larger. (It's) just a scary time of year, and we felt really lucky to have limited (the fire) to that spot. – Provo Fire Capt. Dean York
PROVO — Several small fires kept firefighters hopping here Sunday night.
Three juveniles were being questioned Monday in connection with four small fires set over a 2-mile stretch along the Provo River Trail, west of Geneva Road.
Most of the incidents were small fires that were quickly stomped out. The largest was at Alligator Park, where crews found 15-foot to 20-foot flames in the trees, Provo Fire Capt. Dean York said.
At each fire witnesses saw three suspicious looking juveniles, York said.
"As they went west, the fires went west," he said.
The fire department eventually caught up with the juveniles, who were held until police could arrive for further questioning. There were no reports of injuries or burned structures.
Investigators did not believe the fires were related to a recent string of at least 10 arson-related fires in the Provo area since April that have destroyed several abandoned homes and vehicles.
Firefighters were also called in a separate incident Sunday to a brush fire near the mouth of Provo Canyon that burned about an acre and left approximately 4,200 customers without power.
Just before 11 p.m., a high-tension line that holds up a power line snapped, York said.
"For some reason that high-tension line broke. (I) can't tell you whether it was age or speculate why it broke. It fell down crossing a fence made of metal, ground that fence out, turning it into almost a toaster, a heater. So that started the vegetation on fire right there," he said.
The area is filled with horse property and orchards. York said several nearby residents jumped into action to assist firefighters to help fight the fire and protect nearby barns and other structures.
"A lot of neighbors came up on four-wheelers with shovels and also participated in making sure the fire didn't grow any larger. (It's) just a scary time of year, and we felt really lucky to have limited (the fire) to that spot," he said.
By 1 a.m. Monday, power had been restored to all but two dozen customers. Power to all residents was restored by 8 a.m.
Email: preavy@deseretnews.com
Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam