A fire that began at a Washington City home spread to multiple structures after wind-driven embers traveled approximately a block into a nearby neighborhood. The blaze, which was reported shortly before 1 p.m., caused significant damage to a detached garage and the rear of a residence on Scenic Drive.
The fire originated at 29 Cottonmill Avenue, where flames damaged part of the home, a detached garage or shed, and multiple vehicles. Washington City Fire Battalion Chief Brandon Moore stated that winds of 15 to 25 mph carried embers north, igniting two additional structures on North Scenic Drive East. One of the ignited structures was a detached garage containing two vehicles that was completely destroyed.
Fire crews encountered hazards during the response, including ammunition, propane tanks, and powder in one of the burning structures. This forced firefighters to temporarily pull back as ammunition began to explode. Captain Kris Noel of the Washington City Fire Department noted that the fire likely originated outdoors, specifically in a back corner of the property, though the exact cause remains undetermined.
While no people were injured in the incident, one pet dog living at the Cottonmill Avenue home did not survive. Another dog was successfully rescued. Resident Cynthia Ramquist, who lives on Scenic Drive, reported that she saw smoke from her window before a neighbor alerted her that a tree near her garage was on fire.
Firefighters from Washington City, the Hurricane Valley Fire District, the St. George Fire Department, and the Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Department responded to the scene. Mop-up teams remained on-site until just before 7 p.m. to monitor for potential rekindling spots.
