Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PAYSON — One man has been displaced from his home after firefighters say a nearby firework tipped over, igniting some bushes and, eventually, the front of the house.
Payson Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Spencer said crews were sent to the home, located near 900 East and 300 North, around 11:18 p.m. Tuesday and found fire in the family room that spread to the attic.
Firefighters extinguished the flames in 20 minutes, but the home's damages were estimated at over $100,000.
Spencer said neighbors were shooting off fireworks when one tipped over and shot toward the home. The sparks hit some large evergreen shrubs in front of the home, igniting them. The wind then pushed the fire into the home's front room.
Spencer said the home's occupant was woken up by neighbors pounding on the front door, and he was able to safely evacuate the home.
Firefighters reminded Utahns to have bricks or something heavy next to aerial fireworks to keep them stable. According to the Utah State Fire Marshal and Utah law, it is illegal to use fireworks until Dec. 31.
Spencer said the incident is under investigation.
