Salt Lake fire about 50% contained after air attack

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

The Devonshire Fire burned about 150 acres and was about 50 percent contained Wednesday evening. Salt Lake City Fire officials turned the fire over to the U.S. Forest Service around 3 p.m., and about 20 wildland firefighters were expected to fight the blaze through the night. Cooler weather today should assist them in achieving full containment.

Meanwhile, U.S. 89 through Sardine Canyon was closed for several hours Wednesday due to heavy smoke from a wildfire burning in eastern Box Elder County.

At least four homes were evacuated in Brigham City after lightning set fire to the mountainside above Perry around 5 p.m. Crews worked to contain the 250-acre fire nearly 70 percent by nightfall. No one was injured in the fire and so far, no homes were lost.

As with the fire on the east bench in Salt Lake City, officials said winds were to blame for the speed at which the fire burned out of control. Nearly two dozen very expensive homes were threatened by the Devonshire Fire, which came within a few yards of some structures. But all homes were saved and there were no injuries.

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, especially Tuesday night.

The fire started Tuesday night in the area of 1400 S. and 2965 East. Although fire officials have not officially determined a cause, residents believe it was sparks from a blown transformer that ignited 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.

Salt Lake City firefighters ran hoses through backyards and on to the roofs of homes, keeping them wet as they waited for the flames to continue up the hillside.

Neighbors tried to help by using their own hoses. Many said they were on edge most of Tuesday evening.

"I didn't get a lot of sleep," said homeowner Cherie Justice. "We've always worried about (the possibility of a wildfire) and this was it."

One neighbor said she didn't go to bed until 8 a.m. Wednesday.