News

Actions

Salt Lake City grass fire caused by fireworks

Posted at 12:01 PM, Jul 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-05 14:01:59-04

SALT LAKE CITY - The Salt Lake City Fire Department responded to a grass fire at 673 North East Capitol Street Tuesday morning.

Firefighters responded just before 2 a.m. Tuesday morning and had the fire under control within 15 minutes of arrival.  The fire burned a 100 by 100 foot area and briefly threatened homes in the area.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire was fireworks and that the fireworks were discharged by a group of seven people.

Four of the seven fled the scene while three stayed as firefighters arrived.  The three who remained have been identified as 19-year-old Sasha Glass, 18-year-old Olivia Belman and 19-year-old Tristian Dohs (19).  They were cited for discharging fireworks in a prohibited area and consumption of alcohol by a minor.  They were given their citations at the scene and then released.

The four individuals who fled the scene have been identified and investigators are actively looking for them.  Their names have not yet been released.  The Salt Lake City Fire Department says charges of discharging fireworks in a prohibited area, reckless burning and consumption of alcohol by a minor will be screened against the four individuals who fled the area.

The fireworks were discharged in an area restricted for fireworks, and at a time of day when fireworks were not allowed to be discharged.

In July, legal fireworks can be discharged from July 1-7 and July 21-27, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.   On July 4 and 24 the time is extended to midnight.  The City's Fire Marshal has deemed certain areas of the City as restricted areas for fireworks. Those areas can be found online at www.slcfire.com.