SALT LAKE CITY — Three people were cited and investigators continued looking for four more Tuesday after fire officials say the group accidentally ignited a grass fire while lighting fireworks.
Just before 2 a.m., a grass fire was sparked near 673 N. East Capitol St. The fire burned a 100-foot by 100-foot area and "briefly threatened homes" nearby, said Salt Lake fire spokesman Jasen Asay.
Firefighters prevented the flames from spreading any further, however, and no evacuations were necessary, he said.
Of the seven people believed to be lighting fireworks, Asay said three stayed on scene and were interviewed by investigators and the other four ran off. The three — two 19-year-olds and an 18-year-old — were cited for lighting fireworks in an illegal area and for consumption of alcohol by minors. They were then released.
"The fireworks were discharged in an area restricted for fireworks, and at a time of day when fireworks were not allowed to be discharged," Asay said.
The four others, two males and two females, will face similar charges, he said. Asay said investigators know the names of the four other people.