Two Saratoga Springs brush fires started by target shooting, authorities say
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- A helicopter drops water on the Glamert Lane Fire Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs.
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- The Stillwater Fire as seen Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Saratoga Springs.
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- The Glamert Lane fire as seen Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs.
Preliminary findings found that two brush fires that ignited in Saratoga Springs over the weekend were caused by target shooting, according to Utah Fire Info.
The Glambert Lane fire was discovered at 3:26 p.m. Saturday west of the Utah Saratoga Springs Temple, forcing authorities to order evacuations for 17 homes on Mahogany Street. Saratoga Springs Fire and Rescue lifted the evacuation order at 6 p.m.
The fire burned 175 acres and was fought with a multi-agency effort and air support. The blazed reached 95% containment Sunday morning after crews worked overnight to extinguish hot spots, Utah Fire Info said.
On Sunday morning, authorities announced a new brush fire, the Stillwater Fire, had started at the base of Israel Canyon. Saratoga Springs Fire said the fire was growing up the mountain and was not threatening any homes.
The blaze reached an estimated 30 acres when its progression stopped Sunday afternoon.
The fires are part of what has been an early fire season due to dry weather across the state. Utah Fire Info has reported 226 fires statewide this year, burning 8,799 acres.
Karl Hunt, a spokesman for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, told the Daily Herald earlier this year that a low snow pack, drought and warm temperatures all played a role.
Areas most vulnerable to wildfires are those with “light, flashy fuels,” such as grass and shrubbery, Hunt said. He added that these are often the areas where people recreate. His advice is to be careful, because the majority of wildfires in Utah are human-caused.
“Extinguish your campfires,” Hunt said. “On roadside starts, make sure your vehicles are maintained. If you’re towing, do so with the proper vehicle. Don’t drag your trailer chains. When target shooting, have a clear backstop. That can really go a long way in limiting our impact on those fire starts and in helping our firefighters.”
The wildfire risk prompted one Utah County city to issue additional fire restrictions. Spanish Fork Fire and EMS Chief Eddie Hales issued an order last week restricting open fires of any kind, fireworks and charcoal cooking in the south bench neighborhoods, and river bottom areas.
