Fire burned 300 acres and destroyed three homes
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Layton couple has been cited after authorities say they left a still-lit campfire that caused a wildfire, destroying three homes and forcing hundreds to evacuate in northern Utah.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Monday that Jeremy Flores and Ashlyn Nelson each face a ticket that carries a potential fine of $250.
Spokeswoman Melodie Rydalch said they chose to fine the couple rather than charge them criminally because there wasn’t enough evidence to file an arson case.
The August 29 wildfire burned about 300 acres (121 hectares), forced the evacuation of more than 400 homes and was caused by an abandoned campfire.
Investigators traced the fire back to a campsite on a Bountiful mountain where Flores and Nelson were staying.
Phone calls to Nelson and Flores were not immediately returned Tuesday.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
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