Provo Fire & Rescue requested assistance from the public to gather information regarding the Slate Canyon brush fire that took place on July 4 at approximately 10:40 p.m. Officials stated that the cause of the fire was fireworks used within a fireworks-restricted area during an active city-wide fireworks ban.
Authorities are asking anyone who saw anything unusual, or who possesses photos or video related to the incident, to contact the department.
The department noted that fuel reduction work previously completed along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) played a role in managing the fire. According to officials, this mitigation helped slow the progression of the fire and prevented it from spreading into heavier fuels further up the hillside.
Provo Fire & Rescue stated that this work helped prevent the incident from escalating into a larger wildfire that would have required extensive resources, such as aircraft and other suppression efforts that can cost millions of dollars.
The incident served as a reminder of the importance of proactive wildfire prevention measures. The department highlighted that Stage 2 fire restrictions and the fireworks ban are designed to reduce human-caused wildfire risks.
Additionally, officials noted that the temporary closure of the BYU Y Trailhead during periods of extreme fire danger helps mitigate risk in areas characterized by steep terrain, significant life-safety concerns, and a single access point.
