Human-caused brush fire near Brigham Road quickly contained by St. George Fire Department

ST. GEORGE — Firefighters responded to and quickly contained a slow-burning brush fire that blackened the hillside behind two churches Thursday evening.

The scene of a brush fire on a hillside near Brigham Road, St. George, Utah, July 21, 2022 | Photo courtesy of Dylan Westover, St. George News

At approximately 8 p.m. St. George Fire Department received calls concerning a brush fire at the borders of River Road and Brigham Road behind two chapels on the hillside, Fire Chief Robert Stoker said.

“This is on a hillside where we’ve had several fires here in the past,” he said.

Stoker said the fire likely was human-caused and an individual reportedly was seen walking down from the top of the hill.

While Stoker said a slight breeze caused rapid spreading to the west, the mostly slow-burning fire was contained quickly by firefighters. It burned primarily brush and grass, and nearby trails acted as firebreaks.

“As long as there’s not a steady wind blowing, a lot of time, those trails will help contain fires and that worked in our favor on this one,” he said.

Four fire engines, a ladder truck and a brush truck were assigned to the fire, said Stoker, adding that no mutual aid was requested for this incident. No injuries or damages were reported.

The scene of a brush fire on a hillside near Brigham Road, St. George, Utah, July 21, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Stoker said all federal lands currently are under fire restrictions and that fireworks are never legal in those areas, adding that fire resources have been stretched thin with several wildfires burning throughout the region. He emphasized that citizens be careful with fireworks, particularly with the upcoming Pioneer Day holiday.

“Know where you’re setting those off and whether you are in a restricted area or not,” he said. “Again, you can be cited for setting those off in a restricted area. And you can face the suppression cost whether you’re in a restricted area or a legal area if you light those off and cause a fire.”

Stoker suggested that any citizens who have questions should call their local fire department.

“They’d be happy to help you answer any questions that you have,” he said.

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