TOOELE COUNTY, Utah — A wildfire sparked Saturday afternoon south of Tooele is threatening structures, has forced evacuations and may have even damaged a small town's water system.
Utah Wildfire Info said the Jacob City Fire, burning in Soldier Canyon east of Stockton, was growing rapidly due to "erratic" winds and located in "very steep rugged terrain."
U.S. Forest Service officials said Sunday that the fire was caused by a generator that exploded.
As of Sunday evening, it was estimated at 3,766 acres with 14 percent containment.
Gov. Spencer Cox is holding a press conference on fire safety Monday afternoon in Tooele.
Near the scene on Saturday, multiple residents told FOX 13 News that they were evacuated from their homes. Officials later confirmed that Soldier Canyon and Dry Canyon were evacuated as a precaution, as well as campers in Middle Canyon.
"Ophir & Stockton residents East of Copper Street are asked to stay on alert," wildfire officials added in an update Sunday.
In a Facebook post, the Stockton Police Department asked residents in the town to "refrain from using water if they can help it" because the Jacob City Fire may have damaged the water system.
Fire engines and air resources are working to contain the blaze.
Smoke from the fire is visible from Tooele and even from the Salt Lake area, and some residents have also reported ash falling from the sky.
🚨🚨 Our partners with @slc911 are getting people calling in to report, or ask about, smoke and ash coming down in the city. There are wildfires burning in nearby counties, including Tooele Co. Please only use 911 if you see an active fire or emergency. #slc #slcpd #saltlakecity pic.twitter.com/mHCLcHpzZ1
— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) July 10, 2022
The day before, a pair of wildfires forced evacuations in Millard County. Then on Saturday, a wildfire in Cache County forced evacuations, but they were lifted later that same night.
Photos of the Jacob City Fire from FOX 13 viewers and local officials:
This article will be updated as more information becomes available and as the situation develops.
