Juvenile arrested after Murray grass fire damages homes, kills wildlife, officials say


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MURRAY — A juvenile was arrested late Tuesday night in connection with a grass fire that damaged homes and killed wildlife in Murray.

The incident is still under investigation, but Murray City Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal Pat Killion said the fire was human-caused. He said the fire covered about five or six acres near 4800 South and 700 West, with witnesses reporting the flames reached as high as a two-story house.

“It was a very, very fast-moving fire,” Killion said. “It could have overtaken any of the many citizens that were trying to put it out with their garden hoses and such. It is very lucky in that respect (that it was put out in time).”

No residents, emergency responders or pets were injured, but Killion said a significant amount of wildlife was killed by the fire because it took place in a wildland refuge area. A veterinarian responded to the scene.

"There was a pretty sad scene where a raccoon had its lips burned off in a tree trying to survive," he said. "There were many more animals strewn around in the field that burned."

The fire also caused significant property damage and brought down a communications tower. Radiant heat went through the windows of some town homes and melted items inside, Killion said.

Contributing: Heather Kelly

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