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LAYTON — Winds have pushed a fire on a hillside in Layton near homes, causing the order of a mandatory evacuation.
The Ridges Fire sparked just after 6 p.m. on a hill east of Highway 89 and Interstate 84. The fire burned to the north and east before winds shifted the flames toward the Layton Ridge community and homes on Hanney Canyon. Officials ordered about 40 homes and cabins be evacuated in those areas as a precaution.
To assist evacuees, the Red Cross opened a shelter and reception center at Northridge High School at 2430 North Hill Field Road in Layton.
Just before 11 p.m., the fire had consumed about 10 acres. Firefighters are concerned that winds may shift causing the flames to burn over the crest of the hill near homes.
"This will be an overnight fire and will probably extend for many days to search for and seek containment," said Layton Fire Department Public Information Officer Doug Bitton.
The steep terrain made it difficult for firefighters to reach the area and fight it from the ground. Air attacks were stopped for the night, which contributed to the concerns.
Residents and drivers along Highway 89 flooded dispatchers with 911 calls. Smoke could be seen for miles. No homes were initially threatened, but dozens of families came to see where the smoke was coming from.
"I drove home, got the wife and kids and came over to take a look. It's probably tripled in size since I saw it first," Layton resident Michael Ellgren said of the wildfire.
Fire officials have asked that drives on Highway 89 or I- 84 to slow down and use caution, as smoke is causing poor visibility in the area.
Contributing: Julian Reyes and Andrew Wittenberg
