Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SOUTH SALT LAKE — Multiple fires have already sparked this spring along the Jordan River Parkway, and firefighters expressed concerns Monday about the risks posed later this summer by illegal campers living among the ample fuels.
South Salt Lake Fire Chief Ron Morris said winter left the area green and lush, but the grasses, weeds and brush were likely to dry out quickly in the coming weeks.
“We think we have areas that are primed for a fire,” Morris said. “It will burn like tinder in a fireplace would burn — very rapidly, very hot and quickly.”
Morris said that could be problematic for a homeless population on the river that only seems to be growing.
“It’ll get up in the treetops, and just go across the treetops and trap someone in the middle of the fire where they thought they were safe and end up not being safe,” Morris said.
Morris said the homeless aren’t just victims either.
“The majority of the fires we have along the river are due to the homeless encampments we have along here,” he said.
The homeless population has been historically attracted to the area because the dense brush and trees along the river has provided them shade, cover and privacy, Morris said.
He said the population in the area is expected to continue to grow when a homeless resource center opens its doors near 3300 South and 1000 West. South Salt Lake Fire will then require even more resources to deal with the potential hazards, Morris acknowledged.
For now, Morris said firefighters are trying to educate residents, visitors and the homeless about the potential risks posed by fire in the area.
“It’s very difficult to stop it,” Morris said. “Once something gets started down here, it’s going to affect a lot of people.”
