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1,708-acre fire near Leeds 90 percent contained

Posted at 3:57 PM, Jun 23, 2012
and last updated 2012-06-25 14:44:00-04

LEEDS, Utah  — A 1,708-acre brush fire that forced evacuations in Washington County is now reported to be 90 percent contained.

The Quail Fire, which sparked at around 2:45 p.m. Saturday, is burning near Leeds, located just east of milepost 22 on I-15. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had 90 percent containment and fire officials said they had managed to save homes and lift evacuations that had been in place.

Two low-value sheds were destroyed Friday. No other property damage was reported. Washington County Public Safety officials said at least five homes in Leeds would have burned but were spared because owners had created good defensive space.

About 60 homes were evacuated and evacuees were allowed to return home Sunday morning.

Investigators say the human-caused fire was started by burning debris.