UPDATE: Gun Range Fire was human-caused, 10% contained
Aug 30, 2019, 4:24 AM | Updated: 5:09 pm
UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect 10% containment.
BOUNTIFUL, Utah — A 365-acre fire burning in Bountiful, known as the Gun Range Fire, forced evacuations early Friday. By late Friday afternoon, the U.S. Fores Service reports the fire is 10% contained.
U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Kim Osborn said Friday the fire caused by a campfire is estimated to have grown to about 365 acres.
Officials are looking for two people who were last seen camping on an access road in Bountiful that are believed to be responsible for the blaze.
Dana Harris with the U.S. Forest Service says the fire was human-caused. The source of the fire is a campfire near the Bountiful “B.”
The Gun Range Fire appears to have started just before 1 a.m. on the east bench of Bountiful near the Bountiful ‘B,’ two miles north of the Bountiful temple.
Lt. Dave Edwards with Bountiful Police told reporters the fire forced the mandatory evacuations of at least 400 homes. Flames destroyed three homes. Another five were damaged.
Exclusive: first photos of some of the destruction left behind by #GunRangeFire in Bountiful @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Ofp2InXfnN
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) August 30, 2019
The American Red Cross set up temporary evacuation centers at the Bountiful Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 55 S. Main St.
Initially, volunteers staffed two other evacuation centers as well, but closed them later in the morning as the winds calmed down, slowing the fire’s spread.
Police are urging people who have questions to call 801-298-6297, -6294 or -6299 rather than 911.
They are also reminding everyone that flying a drone anywhere near the fire is illegal and will impact their ability to fight the fire from the air. Edwards said if you are within 500 feet of a fire truck you are too close.
Public can call 801-298-6294 or 6297 for information. Please avoid calling 911 or 801-298-6000. pic.twitter.com/DvqJFGmBHx
— Bountiful City (@BountifulCityUT) August 30, 2019
Fire command is requesting on lookers to stay out of the operations area. If you are within 500 feet of a fire truck you’re too close!
— Centerville Police (@cpdutah) August 30, 2019
Police say a police officer patrolling the east bench first spotted it and reported it.
Multiple agencies have responded to the fire. In addition to over 100 firefighters from Weber and Salt Lake counties that were dispatched to help, there are also nearly 60 police officers and several community members that helped aid in the evacuations and helped with donations.
No injuries have been reported.
Davis County School District plans to hold classes as normal today, but busses will not pick up students in the area between 400 North to 1600 North and from 900 East up the mountain, because they are not currently allowed in that area.
The #GunRangeFire has not affected our schools. Schools will be open today. The area between 400 North to 1600 North and from 900 East up the mountainside is closed. School busses are not being allowed in that area. Students in that area will not be picked up.
— DavisSchools (@DavisSchools) August 30, 2019
Even though schools are open, Davis district officials say if parents feel conditions are unsafe for their children they can keep them home.
Again, schools are open. If you, as a parent, feel conditions are unsafe for your child to attend school, please keep them home. As always, teachers will work with your child regarding any work they may miss due to their absence. #GunRangeFire
— DavisSchools (@DavisSchools) August 30, 2019
We are grateful for all of the food and donations brought to the crews. We are no longer in need of anymore donations at this time.
— Centerville Police (@cpdutah) August 30, 2019
