Illegal fireworks are suspected as the cause of a wildfire at Timpanogos Cave National Monument on Saturday, June 27. The fire began at approximately 11:30 pm, at the same time that the nearby Traverse Fire was threatening structures in Lehi and Draper.
The fire burned approximately ¼ acre directly behind the Monument headquarters building, including a utility right-of-way containing power and communications lines. One Rocky Mountain power pole was blackened, but the lines themselves were undamaged.
Firefighters from the Lone Peak Fire District responded to the initial 911 call and immediately took action to protect park structures, then moved directly to the Traverse Fire when a US Forest Service wildland fire crew arrived and took over suppression efforts in the steep rocky area.
Rangers later found fresh fireworks wrappings a short distance from the fire.
“We are very grateful to the rapid response and professionalism of the Lone Peak and Forest Service crews," said Timpanogos Cave Superintendent Jim Ireland. “Their quick action saved not only the canyon’s power and communication lines also at least one if not two of our park buildings."
“What makes this situation so upsetting is that it was another absolutely preventable fire involving illegal fireworks, and it diverted valuable equipment and fire fighters away from the Traverse Fire just when it was critically needed there," Ireland said.
Power was temporarily turned off to upper American Fork Canyon as a safety precaution until about 10:00 am Sunday when firefighters left the scene.
Possession of fireworks is always illegal within monument boundaries, and anyone with information about this case should contact the park at 801-756-5239 or the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009.
www.nps.gov/tica
www.facebook.com/timpanogoscavenps
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
