Wildfire — Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys, Utah

2016-07-19 to 2016-07-20 · Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys, Utah

Event narrative

An arsonist intentionally set fire to a field in Tooele on the night of July 19. The fire spread quickly into a nearby neighborhood due to gusty winds, with gusts generally in the 25-35 mph range. By the time firefighters had controlled the blaze by the morning of July 20, the fire had destroyed 10 homes and caused significant damage to 8 other homes. In addition, about eight cars and at least five outbuildings were destroyed. The fire also consumed trees and vinyl fences. Ten people were treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation, and at least three of those were first responders. One person was treated for a head injury from a fall related to the fire.

Wider weather episode

On July 19, an arsonist intentionally set fire to a field in Tooele. Fanned by strong wind gusts, the fire was pushed to a nearby neighborhood, destroying and damaging several homes.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 653884. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.