SALT LAKE CITY — Two wildfires, one in Cedar Fort and the other near South Jordan, were reported Wednesday afternoon.
A portion of Highway 73 was temporarily closed as firefighters responded to a growing blaze near Cedar Fort, which was first reported around 4 p.m. The fire is estimated at 209 acres, with 50% containment, and its “forward progression has been stopped,” according to fire officials via Utah Fire Info.
Investigators have determined that the fire was human caused.
Utah County Fire Warden Kelly Watts said the blaze could have taken “dozens of homes” if not for the effective response from firefighters.
A bulldozer, a helicopter and two air tankers were called in to battle the blaze, along with ground crews, fire officials said.
According to Utah Fire Info, the wind was primarily responsible for the fire’s initial rapid spread.
“It was moving really fast,” said Chris Barrow, a neighbor who spotted the fire from the highway.
Barrow, though not a firefighter, was able to help some of his neighbors escape from danger. He saw the blaze moving toward a house and took action, helping children retreat out of the house and the fire’s path.
“It was pretty urgent,” Barrow said. “I mean, they’re kids. They’re 8 and younger. And so it was pretty important to get them out.”
Firefighting efforts continue as responders attempt to fully contain the wildfire. Highway 73 has been reopened.
Meanwhile, another fire started just after 5 p.m. on the Mountain View Corridor near 11800 South in South Jordan.
The fire burned an estimated 10 to 15 acres and was spread by windy and dry conditions, according to South Jordan Battalion Chief Jon Stone. No structures were damaged.
Fire crews from South Jordan, West Jordan and Unified fire departments responded. The cause of the fire is being investigated
Northbound Mountain View Corridor was closed at 11000 South while firefighters worked.
Contributing: Andrew Adams