HERRIMAN, Utah — Construction workers are to blame for starting a field fire in Herriman that forced evacuations of 30 homes Friday afternoon.
The accidental fire started around 1:00 p.m. on Rose Canyon Road and about 6800 West.
The fire sparked on the hillside below Wendy Silver’s home and grew quickly to surround it on three sides.
“That tree is the only tree I lost, which is remarkable. The others got a little bit singed but not much,” Silver said, pointing to the edge of her property.
The flames grew up to 20 feet high, accelerated by the drought and extremely dry brush.
“It’s hot, it’s windy, that’s why we called for all those extra resources to come in because we knew we had to take care of this quick before it got much worse,” Unified Fire Authority spokesman Patrick Costin said.
At least 60 firefighters from seven different agencies came to help, alongside two planes and a helicopter on standby.
Firefighters used Silver's own hoses to stop the fire. They will keep watch overnight to make sure it stays out.
“I think they are wonderful. They’re going the extra mile,” Silver said.
Thirty homes are now safe after an evacuation. The fire was contained at almost eight acres.
