A juvenile is in custody Tuesday, suspected of setting a string of fires outside Midway, including Tuesday’s Saddle Fire, which grew from just a few acres to more than 200 as a result of gusty winds.
The Saddle Fire was possibly the fourth suspicious fire started near the Interlaken and Pine Canyon neighborhoods north of the Provo River in recent days, according to a Facebook post by the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office. It was also the most dangerous, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes as firefighters worked to contain the flames.
"We appreciate those who assisted in alerting us to the suspicious activity and the quick work of the law enforcement officers and dispatchers that ultimately resulted in the apprehension of the suspect," the sheriff's office said in the post. "At this time it appears the suspect acted alone."
Tuesday’s fire was burning in Dutch Hollow, state land north of Midway popular for mountain biking. Wasatch Mountain State Park has closed some of the trails there until further notice.
As of Wednesday morning, Utah Fire said the Saddle Fire is estimated at 630 acres and firefighters have secured 15% containment. There are 150 personnel assigned to the fire and aircraft and two additional crews will be supporting the suppression efforts.
