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CEDAR CITY — Local, state and federal fire agencies contained a wildfire Friday that had threatened about 30 homes near Cedar City.
The fire broke out along the west side of Bulldog Road at about 3800 North, about 1 mile north of Cedar City, when heavy winds pushed a burn operation out of a landowner's control, according to Iron County Sheriff's Sgt. Charles Triplett.
The fire was 100 percent contained after burning 45 acres. The fire also consumed three power poles and caused a power outage. Rocky Mountain Power was working to replace the poles, and damage was estimated at $15,000.
No homes were burned, despite the fire's close proximity.
Winds contributed to the fire's spread, blowing steady at 30 mph to 40 mph in the Cedar City area, with gusts up to 50 mph, according to KSL meteorologist Kevin Eubank.
"The public is reminded that Utah is in its third year of drought. Conditions are drier than they appear and drier than they normally are this time of year. One careless act can have extreme consequences. Please check with your local fire officials on requirements to burn," said Mike Melton from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands in a written statement.
Fifteen fire engines and three water tenders were called to the scene, including crews from Cedar City, Parawan, Paragonah and Kanaraville Fire Departments; Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands; Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Forest Serive; Iron County Sheriff's Department; and Enoch Police Department.