Kanab City area sees four fires in one week

The Kanab City Fire Department responded to four separate fires over the past week while also handling other emergency incidents, arriving on scene in an average of seven minutes and helping contain each blaze before it spread to additional homes and structures.

A structure fire on July 12 destroyed a shed, barn, truck and more. Photo by Dale Swinn.

Courtesy photo via GoFundMe.

Although each fire had a different cause and presented unique challenges, city officials said they all shared a common lesson: during dry summer conditions, even a small spark can quickly become a dangerous fire.

On July 5, firefighters responded to a backyard fire in Kanab’s Cottonwood neighborhood. Crews quickly contained the fire before it spread to nearby homes. The property contained a significant amount of combustible materials, that increased the potential for the fire to spread. The fire damaged wood piles, a vehicle and other materials stored in the yard.

On July 8, firefighters responded to another fire in a neighborhood near the cemetery that threatened nearby property. Kanab Police officers immediately began suppressing the fire with portable fire extinguishers until firefighters arrived. Their quick actions, combined with the coordinated response of emergency personnel, helped prevent the fire from spreading further.

On July 11, firefighters responded to a brush fire in the Ranchos neighborhood after a ground flower firework ignited dry vegetation along a roadside ditch. The fire occurred outside the state-authorized fireworks discharge dates and in an area where fireworks are not permitted. It burned approximately one-half acre before crews contained it.

On July 12, firefighters responded to a structure fire involving a shed and barn within the Vermilion Cliffs Special Service District. At the time of dispatch, many firefighters were already responding to a rollover traffic accident east of Kanab. Firefighters had water on the fire approximately 11 minutes after dispatch and quickly contained the blaze to the structures involved, preventing it from spreading to neighboring homes and additional property.

The fire destroyed a barn, shed, hay, several vehicles and livestock. Four indi­viduals were evaluated for smoke inhalation after attempting to rescue animals from the burning barn.

With Pioneer Day approaching and fire conditions remaining dry, the Kanab City Fire Department en­courages residents to take simple steps to reduce fire risk. If a fire starts, call 911 im­mediately. Residents are also encouraged to maintain defensible space around homes, reduce the accumula­tion of combustible ma­terials near structures, use extra caution with any activity that could create a spark and celebrate responsibly.

Kanab City extend­ed its appreciation to the firefighters, volun­teers, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and partner agencies whose coordinated efforts helped protect lives and property during an exceptionally busy week. The city also thanked Kane County, Fredonia Town and Big Water Town for providing mutual aid and support during the incidents.

Fire Chief Brett Pier­son said the week’s incidents serve as a reminder that fire pre­vention begins with every resident.

“It only takes one spark to put homes, families and firefight­ers at risk,” Pierson said. “These incidents remind us how im­portant it is to reduce fire hazards around our homes, be aware of conditions that can quickly spread fire and call 911 immedi­ately if a fire starts. By working together and taking simple precautions, we can help keep our families, our neighbors and our community safe.”