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KSL Newsradio's Mary Richards reportingA woman has been charged with starting a fire in her yard that led to a huge wildfire on Layton's east bench. Dozens of people were evacuated before rain put out the blaze last month.
Police say Smith told them she was burning some debris in her yard she thought was a fire hazard. The fire spread to 400 acres and temporarily caused evacuations at 20 homes, authorities said.
Ina Smith, 50, is charged with reckless burning and burning without a permit, both misdemeanors. Layton City Prosecutor Kris Neal says she understands Smith did not mean to start a wildfire, but she still broke the law.
"Our ordinance say that you have to get a permit before you can start a fire such as this, and that was not done," said Neal.
A hearing is set for Nov. 14 in 2nd District Court. If convicted of the two misdemeanors, Smith could be sentenced to more than a year in jail and $3,000 in fines.
The Sept. 14 fire burned hundreds of acres within 90 minutes in the Snow Canyon area. Rain helped firefighters control the flames.
