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ST. GEORGE — Fireworks discharged outside the legal date range in a restricted area sparked a brush fire that burned through between 10 and 15 acres on Black Hill Sunday night.
St. George Fire Department responded to the blaze at approximately 8:45 p.m. on the hillside near Donlee Drive.
The fire quickly spread north and south, charring through thick brush and coming within about 100 yards of nearby houses, but it was suppressed before it could damage any of the structures.
Individuals lighting fireworks caused the fire, St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker said, adding that they were discharged in a restricted area and were not allowed on the current date.
Officers from St. George Police Department also responded and were actively investigating the crime at the time of the fire.
“It’s very frustrating,” Stoker said, referring to fires that he said could otherwise have been avoided. “There’s no common sense being used here. We’ve had some major fires throughout the state this year – the Brian Head Fire. We’ve had several here in town.”
The individuals who started the fire will face charges, Stoker said, adding that they could face steep fines for the suppression costs.
However, Stoker was unable to provide any information about a possible suspect or suspects at the time of this report.
