CEDAR HILLS, Utah — After fireworks were originally blamed for sparking a wildfire Wednesday in the town of Cedar Hills in Utah County, officials are now walking that back, saying they are still investigating but that they know it was human-caused.
The Cedar Hills Fire, previously called the Hub City Fire, burned 14 acres and restricted access to dozens of homes. Residents have since been allowed back into the neighborhood.
Although the progression of the fire has been stopped, it is only 20% contained.
“We were very, very lucky today that we did not lose any homes, lots of good work by firefighters and our partners. It could’ve been catastrophic for us," said American Fork Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Brandon Boshard.
Firework sales in Utah began this week, although they are not permitted to be set off until two days before the July 4 holiday. Fire officials have expressed deep concern over the lighting of fireworks due to the extremely dry conditions that have led to the start of numerous wildfires around the state.
American Fork Fire and Rescue officials confirmed that they originally limited access to 100 homes near the fire.
"Incident command staff feel that they have the adequate resources they need to ensure that it doesn't go anywhere," said Wasatch Front Area Manager for the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands Justin Roach.
The fire started on private land at around 5:00 p.m. and encroached onto U.S. Forest Service land.
"The black edge of the fire is probably roughly 100 yards away from the closest homes to the incident up there," he said.
Road closures were issued near the wildfire, and officials arr asking the public to avoid the area to keep access clear for emergency vehicles.
