Firefighters continue to battle blaze

Firefighters used an air attack Wednesday in an effort to extinguish a 150-acre wildfire in the foothills along Salt Lake City's east bench that had some residents on edge Tuesday night.

Nearly two dozen very expensive homes were threatened by the fire which came within a few yards of some structures. But all homes were saved and there were no injuries as of early afternoon.

Crews battled abnormally high temperatures Wednesday and steep terrain in an effort to set up a containment around the fire. Their biggest concern was in the afternoon when a red flag warning was issued because of high winds associated with an oncoming cold front.

Otherwise the weather had been cooperating with firefighters.

The fire started Tuesday night in the area of 1400 South and 2950 E. Although fire officials had not officially determined a cause Wednesday, residents believe it was sparks from a blown transformer that sparked the blaze.

David Salisbury was watching TV when he "heard a loud pop" and all his electricity went out. He looked outside and saw a fire had started around the area in his backyard where the transformer was.

Although no residents were forced to evacuate, UTA buses were brought to the area as a precaution in case a quick evacuation was needed.

Neighbors had high praise for firelighters, who they say worked hard all night keeping the flames from spreading to their homes.

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