PROVO — A large brush fire broke out late Saturday near Slate Canyon on Provo's east side, prompting a major response from firefighters on Independence Day.
Provo Fire Capt. Jeanie Atherton told KSL the fire started below the Bonneville Shoreline Trail about 10:40 p.m. She said Provo fire crews arrived quickly and called in additional resources from Utah County to help battle the blaze.
The flames were large at one point, and the fire was visible throughout much of Provo. But by 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Atherton said she did not see any active flames, and crews were working to put out hot spots and ensure the fire was fully contained.
Atherton said the fire was initially a half-acre but grew to about 5 acres.
"Tonight, we had favorable conditions," Atherton said. "We don't have very much wind. If we had a really strong wind from the west, that would be bad."
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Video of fireworks near the scene circulated on social media late Saturday evening, but Atherton said she had not seen it yet.
"We will get a hold of it and definitely pursue that," Atherton said.
No homes were evacuated, Atherton said, and no injuries were immediately reported.
Provo police asked bystanders to avoid the area and not to fly drones as firefighters worked.
