NewsLocal News

Actions

Several homes evacuated due to fire in Provo Canyon; Girl Scouts escorted out by firefighters

Posted at 8:15 PM, Jun 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-17 00:14:52-04

UPDATE: Callie Birdsall-Chambers with Girl Scouts of America says there were approximately 200 people at the camp near the fire, but as of Saturday night all of the attendees have been escorted out of the canyon by firefighters.

The blaze has burned an estimated 50 acres as of Saturday night. Containment is listed at 0 to 10 percent containment.

Fire officials say the rugged terrain means crews will not work the fire overnight, but they will return Sunday morning.

Fire crews will be monitoring the two homes that were evacuated to keep them safe from damage overnight. No injuries have been reported.

Previous story continues below:

PROVO, Utah -- Authorities evacuated a "handful" of homes in Provo Canyon due to a fire Saturday evening, and a group of Girl Scouts are sheltering in place and will stay an extra night.

Sgt. Spencer Cannon of the Utah County Sheriff's Office said things began with a call about a possible explosion at a pump house, and as crews fought the fire they became concerned about surrounding homes and evacuated them.

It was not immediately clear how many residents have been evacuated.

The fire also caused temporary road closures in Provo Canyon, which have since been lifted.

Cannon said while the Girl Scouts are not in any danger, fire trucks are blocking the road that leads to the camp. He said the Scouts are going to stay an extra night beyond what was planned, and he said their parents have already been notified.

"Everyone at the camp is sheltered in place and in a good spot," fire officials stated via Twitter.

Cannon said no one is in any danger at this time.

Specific details about the cause and the size of the fire were not immediately available. Fox 13 News has reached out to fire officials for more information and will update this story as more details emerge.