EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — Fire crews are working to contain a new wildfire that started Wednesday afternoon in Utah County.
The "Pole Canyon Fire" is burning west of SR-73, between Cedar Fort and Fairfield. The fire has now spread to 488 acres.
"A few resources will remain on scene to monitor the fire overnight. A Type 3 incident management team will assume command of the fire tomorrow morning," a tweet from Utah Wildfire said.
The fire broke out around 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon.
At first, people living in the White Hills subdivision were told to evacuate.
“We heard sirens and we came outside and saw all the smoke up the street,” said homeowner Daniel Hamson. “It was kind of chaotic for a little.”
Hamson and others in the neighborhood grabbed irreplaceable items and prepared for the worst.
At the same time, crews from several agencies aggressively attacked the flames.
Roughly 100 firefighters were on scene, including several smoke jumpers who parachuted to some of the most rugged terrain.
“They were an available resource for us and because this fire was growing so quickly, we sent all the resources possible,” said Kait Webb with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. “Fuels are really dry. It’s hot. It’s windy out.”
As the fire began to burn away from the neighborhood, the evacuation order became an advisory, with residents told to be on alert to leave should conditions change.
Hamson went back to his home grateful for the quick work of firefighters.
“I am glad they were that quick it probably saved a lot of stuff,” Hamson said. “It would have been bad. It would have been a lot like Saratoga Springs.”
According to investigators, the Pole Canyon Fire was human-caused and started by heavy equipment.
