Cause determined for Canyon Road Fire in Logan

LOGAN — The official cause of the Canyon Road Fire has been released, more than three weeks after the fire started near Utah State University.

The July 31 fire ultimately burned just over 17 acres. While the fire was relatively small, its proximity to homes and other structures raised concerns as flames spread through dry vegetation.

"Started on state property. Down below us here. I believe they, the state, released the official cause as spontaneous combustion and ignition of organics, a pile of organics down on the field," said Aaron Walker, fire marshal with the Logan City Fire Department.

Spontaneous combustion can occur when organic material begins to decompose and gives off heat. The process is similar to what farmers may see with hay bales or haystacks if they bale hay that is too green and not fully dried. Walker said it can also happen around homes with yard waste, grass clippings and leaves when they are piled together. He said homeowners should be careful about how they pile organic materials and should monitor those piles for signs of heating.

"Well, you want to use caution," Walker said. "Keep the pile spread out. Keep an eye on it. Make sure there's no combustibles within the immediate area and keep a water source handy. Make sure it doesn't get too far along in the decomposition process."

The fire also reminds people of the importance of preparing homes and property before a wildfire starts.

Walker said the "Ready, Set, Go" wildfire preparedness program emphasizes creating defensible space around homes and removing combustible materials near structures.

"The 'Ready' portion of that program talks about your defensible spaces around your house. Keep those fuels away from your house, the zero to 5 feet."

Fire restrictions in Cache County have recently been elevated to Level 2, which prohibits open flames and open fires.

Walker said the wildfire threat remains despite recent rain.

"The threat is still among us. As you can feel today. It's hot. The breeze is blowing. The grasses are still dry. The elements are all still there."

He said recent rainfall hasn't provided enough moisture to significantly reduce fire danger, and the Cache Valley area has remained drier than much of the state.

"With temperatures like they are and winds doing what they're doing. And what little moisture we did receive is zapped right out of those fuels very quickly."

As of Tuesday, Smokey Bear's fire danger indicator showed high fire danger in the Logan area.

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