Building burned, vandalized at Deer Creek State Park


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DEER CREEK STATE PARK, Wasatch County — A fire destroyed the main office building at Deer Creek State Park Monday, and investigators said the scene looked like an incident of arson.

The building was surrounded by trees and dry brush that helped fuel the fire, and a large propane tank stood close to the office. Firefighters also had to deal with 500 rounds of exploding ammunition inside the building while they fought the fire.

"When they get really hot, the bullets will just explode like a firecracker-type thing," said Wasatch County Fire District spokeswoman Janet Carson.

The damage from the fire was estimated at $200,000. However, investigators discovered that a nearby pay booth had also received damage as a result of vandalism, leading them to believe that the fire was purposely started.

"They had someone break into that and take a 20-pound fire extinguisher and completely spray it all over that room, and they destroyed the computer system and everything in the room," Carson said.

The firefighters' dog also led investigators to suspicious evidence. Investigators hope for more clues soon, and they are grateful that nothing else was burned in the fire.

"It wouldn't take much for all of this vegetation to start burning and work its way up the road and across the hill," Carson said.

Despite the fire and vandalism, Deer Creek State Park is still open for camping, boating and fishing.

State Parks Lt. Eric Stucki urges anyone with information about the fire to call the Wasatch County Sheriff's office.

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