Summit County

Fireworks allegedly spark fire in Sun Peak neighborhood

KPCW | By Connor Thomas

Published July 17, 2023 at 5:42 PM MDT

Park City Fire District firefighters respond to the fire, which blackened a portion of the grassy knoll along Mahre Drive in the Sun Peak neighborhood Monday afternoon.

Neighbors outside in the Sun Peak neighborhood Monday say they heard a bang, saw blue smoke and then heard the fire engines.

The fire started behind Sun Peak’s clubhouse near the bottom of Mahre Drive, where a dirt trail begins, around noon Monday.

The Park City Fire District says the fire was mostly likely caused by fireworks and is investigating who sparked the fire.

The fire district said it burned about 1,000 square feet of grass, and no structures were threatened.

“We appreciate the quick response of the neighbors in calling 911,” Fire Marshal Mike Owens said. “We would like to remind people to follow the operating and safety instructions for any fireworks.”

Park City recently passed a ban on open flames within city limits, effective Thursday. That ban prohibits fireworks, campfires, tiki torches and fire pits within city limits. Sun Peak is not within Park City limits, but its HOA prohibits fireworks.

Firefighters have contained the fire on Mahre Drive, and no injuries were reported.

Corrected: July 17, 2023 at 8:44 PM MDT

A previous version of this article incorrectly said the Park City fire ban does not include fireworks. They are included and will be prohibited beginning July 20.

Updated: July 17, 2023 at 7:35 PM MDT

Late Monday, the Sun Peak homeowner's association sent an alert to residents, confirming fireworks started the fire. Sun Peak's HOA prohibits fireworks within the neighborhood, and according to the alert, "The Association will take action for the violation."