SPRING CANYON FIRE
The fire in Springville was started in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 26. The name given this fire was the Spring Canyon Fire. The fire is still under investigation but was most likely caused by teenagers and sparklers in the Spring Creek area of the city. This is an area that is dense with dry grasses, brush and oak trees. A Springville City Police Officer responded to the scene quickly, ran up the trail with two fire extinguishers but the fire could not be brought under control. The Springville Fire Department needs to be commended on the job they did saving as they saved structures from being damaged. Several firefighters assisted in hauling fire hose 1200 feet up the steep mountain terrain.
Due to the steep terrain and accessibility air support was heavily used. Forest Service Air Support were on scene at approximately 9:45 am. with 2 Air Tankers, 4 Single Engine Air Tankers, 3 Helicopters and 2 Fire engines. As of Monday (28th) the fire had burned an estimated 140 acres. Helicopters filled their tanks and boom with a temporary water source at the Springville High School where hundreds of spectators watched all during the entire day on Saturday. On Sunday (27th) that temporary water source was moved further up the canyon. Over 70,000 gallons of water and retardant was dropped on the fire on Saturday. Five Forest Service Hand Crews along with one Interagency Hot Shot Crew worked to contain the fire. Most of the fire crews moved out of the area on Tuesday (29th). Crews were aided by equipment and personnel from Spanish Fork, Salem, Mapleton, and Utah County Fire Departments.
The base camp was set up at Springville High School. Firefighters were able to shower at the Springville Community Pool facility and eat and sleep on the park and in the school. The command center was set up in the G wing at the Springville High School. We continue to thank all Firefighters, the Springville Police Department, Red Cross, Scott Johnson and the Nebo School District, all Springville City Officials and City Departments as well as all others who assisted and provided service during this situation.