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RUSH VALLEY, Tooele County — Three new fires broke out in Utah Wednesday afternoon, including one that was sparked by a bird that was electrocuted by a power line, officials said.
The fires were reported in Rush Valley, near Lake Mountain outside of Saratoga Springs and near Camp Williams, according to various authorities.
Crews responded to a report of a fire at the end of Russell Lane in Rush Valley about 1:40 p.m., according to Tooele County Emergency manager Bucky Whitehouse.
“What we believe, as of now, is that a bird landed on the power lines and was electrocuted, falling on the ground and starting the fire,” he said.
Whitehouse estimated that fire has burned about 200 acres, as of late Wednesday afternoon. Rush Valley Fire, Bureau of Land Management officials and other crews were called out to help fight the fire. Two airplanes and a BLM dozer were brought in as a part of the fire battle.
The fire is burning in an open space away from structures, he added. He expected crews to remain fighting the fire throughout the evening.
The fire near Lake Mountain, known as the Chaparral Fire, was reported shortly after 3 p.m. and was estimated at 50 acres in size and growing, according to the Bureau of Land Management; however, Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Jess Campbell said it was about 300 acres burning west of Utah Lake at the southern end of Lake Mountain.
Two helicopters and two planes were being sent to fight the fire.
A third fire was reported south of Camp Williams Wednesday afternoon. A property owner was burning weeds when the wind picked up and carried the fire to a nearby field, Lehi Fire Department Battalion Chief Tim Robinson said.
The fire burned 4-4.5 acres, Robinson said. There were no injuries or damage to structures, and the fire was fully contained as of 7 p.m., he added.
Contributing: Jacob Klopfenstein
