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SOUTH JORDAN — Close to 30 South Jordan homes were evacuated Tuesday afternoon when a fast-moving brush fire took off near Glenmoor Golf Course.
The fire started near 4300 W. Lockshire Circle at about 4:15 p.m. and quickly spread to nearby fences and sheds.
James Thompson is one of the unlucky homeowners who lost half of his tool shed. "I got some really nice tools in there," he said. "I guess it just happens."
"The fence was really on fire," said neighbor Cody Evans. "The flames were, I think were about a good chest high on me."
Firefighters say the fire somehow ignited near the Glenmoor Golf Course. Warm temperatures, dryness and blossoms from cottonwood trees helped fuel the flames.
"The main component I believe is involved is the cotton that's coming off the cottonwood and poplar trees," said Reed Thompson, with the South Jordan Fire Department.
Some residents grabbed their garden hoses and helped firefighters stop the fire from reaching any homes.
Still, the blaze was enough to scorch the grass on parts of the golf course, and burn wood and trees.
About 30 homes were evacuated. Many residents stayed, though, and fought the fire with sprinklers and garden hoses. Three of those residents were later treated for minor burns.
With their help, fire crews quickly got the fire under control and had it extinguished in less than 45 minutes. Cleaning up the damage, though, will take a lot longer.
Fire investigators are now working to determine what started the blaze.
