Field fire at Wheeler Historic farm scorches nearby shed Sunday

MURRAY — A field fire outside Wheeler Historic Farm threatened a few homes and torched one shed after it briefly raced out of control Sunday.

Officials believe a compost pile of hay and manure used for fertilizer spontaneously combusted and started the field fire around 5:20 p.m. The fire spread to a quarter acre before crews were able to douse the flames.

Fire crews from Murray, Midvale and Sandy responded to the fire about 5:35 p.m. and managed to keep it from causing serious damage to several homes near the historic farm at 6351 S. 900 East, Murray Deputy Fire Chief Russ Groves said.

No one was injured in the fire and crews knocked out the blaze within 15 minutes. Damage is estimated at $5,000.

Fire officials warned that compost piles should be used regularly and kept spread out to reduce fire potential.

— Lana Groves