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Sam Penrod ReportingAn investigation into last month's out-of-control prescribed burn is underway, and tonight a public meeting will be held in Utah County so residents can get involved in the process.
The prescribed fire that started burning out of control a month ago today is under scrutiny now by a review panel of forest experts brought in from all over the United States. The Cascade Springs fire was part of an effort to clear out old vegetation in the forest. The fire was only supposed to burn 600 acres, but when high winds blew sparks across the fire lines, the blaze exploded into an eight thousand acre wildfire.
And the smoke from the fire filled the Wasatch Front for several days, causing problems for people who suffer from respiratory conditions. Tonight Utah County residents can express their concern to forest service officials.
An eleven member team of forest officials will determine if those who ignited the prescribed burn followed forest policies. Specifically they’ll consider the weather conditions before the fire was started, how air quality could be affected, and contingency plans if the fire escaped the prescribed area.
The fire cost two million dollars to fight and rehabilitation efforts will likely run another one million dollars.
Tonight's public meeting will be in the Provo Marriott, beginning at 7p.m. A similar meeting is planned for tomorrow night in Heber City.
