Quick response prevents backyard fire from spreading behind Travelodge July 5

KANAB — A fast response by the Kanab City Fire Department prevented a backyard fire from spreading to nearby homes Sunday afternoon, July 5, behind the Travelodge in Kanab’s Cottonwood neighborhood.

Left to right:

• Photo by Rob Morgan.

• Photo by Lisa Black.

The fire burned trees, brush and other combustible materials in a backyard area directly behind the Travelodge, near South 410 East and East 400 South, before firefighters brought it under control. No homes or other structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported.

Fire Chief Brett Pierson credited firefighters with getting water on the fire quickly, limiting its spread despite the mature trees and heavy vegetation in the area. “The fire crews did a great job,” Pierson said. “We were able to get water on the fire quickly and knock it back.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Pierson said it is “very unlikely” that fireworks were responsible, though investigators have not reached a final determination.

Pierson also thanked the Kanab Police Department and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with traffic control, along with volunteer firefighters who responded quickly to the incident.

Kanab City Fire Department is staffed primarily by volunteers, and Pierson encouraged residents interested in serving the community to contact the fire station or Kanab City offices for information about joining the department.