This week’s thunderstorms and upcoming rain showers may provide some relief.
(Rick Egan | Salt Lake Tribune) Saturday, July 9, 2022 Smoke from the Jacobs City fire. The fire was 35 percent contained, officials said Friday.
The Jacobs Township Fire, which has burned 4,185 acres in Toole County since July 9, was 35 percent contained Friday, officials said.
The fire, about a mile east of Stockton, started after a generator caught fire, officials said. Stockton police arrested a man on Tuesday on charges of criminal negligence in connection with the fire.
This week’s thunderstorms dumped a “moderate amount of moisture” on the fire, Utah Wildfire Info said. But at higher altitudes, heavy tree canopies prevented the rain from reaching the ground.
Although the forecast for the weekend is warm and dry. Officials expect rain moisture to return to the area next week.
Police said the generator tried to put out the fire.
On Friday, Utah Wildfire Information reported that crews had improved the fire line on the fire’s northern boundary and added containment around it. Crews will focus on the northern wildfire near Edwards Pass, south of Soldier Creek and north of Bald Mountain.
The southern and southeastern edges of the fire were more difficult to contain because they were on more rugged terrain. Crews were dispatched to remove dead trees in upland areas that could endanger fire responders.
The man arrested Tuesday is charged with reckless arson and reckless endangerment. The generator said a generator near the revue caught fire on July 9 and spread to trees in the area.
It happened when a circular saw was plugged into the generator, police said. The saw often got hot while in use, the man told investigators, so he kept it in the back of the RV, next to a sealed gas can. The temperature that day reached 103 degrees.
After 10 minutes, the man heard a voice. When he got back outside, the top of the generator was on fire and there were trees around it, police said.
When the man tried to put out the fire, he threw burning sage and embers under the RV – where another gas container was located, which ignited and the RV started to burn. He then called 911.
“Negligence does not absolve a party from liability and the consequences of an incident resulting from that act,” a Stockton police statement read.
When creating on public lands, people should be aware of seasonal fire hazards, and special precautions should be taken to prevent wildfires, he said.
‘You will be responsible.’
Police have made four arrests as of Friday the Halfway Hill Fire, which has burned 11,637 acres south of Fillmore.
That wildfire is only 15% contained and started after four campers started fires and “went off suddenly,” according to the cause statement. Road closures are still in effect around the fire.
On Monday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox promised disaster for those who start wildfires in the state.
“You are subject to civil liability and may be criminally liable if you break any laws to light a fire,” he said.
