July 3, 2000
One of the most dangerous fires of the season so far is out now.
But how it started is a combination that could be dangerous within the next 48 hours-- bottle rockets and teenagers.
News Specialist Jill Atwood has reminders we've heard before, but certainly bear repeating.
It can happen so fast, especially in this wind. Take a look at this field--charred, black, chances are from somebody's carelessness.
High winds fuel one tiny spark, and before you know it that spark is a full-blown fire.
Jeff Ellinson knows that all too well.
He and two of his friends were responsible for a field fire in Draper.
Jeff Ellingson: "FUN, JUST FUN TO DO. WE DINT' THINK WE WERE GOING TO HURT ANYTHING."
The trio set off a bottle rocket that within minutes caught some dry brush.
In their eyes, maybe innocent Independence Day fun. But in the eyes of the law, it's serious business.
Matt Morrison/South Valley Fire Marshall: "YOU GET DUDS THAT DON'T EXPLODE AND THEN THEY LAND AND CONTINUE TO BURN. AND IF THEY LAND IN SOMETHING COMBUSTIBLE, YOU'RE OFF TO THE RACES."
Flames at times shot 30 feet in the air, and came within 50 yards of feeding on nearby homes. Jeff's first thought.
"UH OH. WE WERE SCARED. SOME OF OUR FRIENDS RAN OVER THERE WITH HOSES AND TRIED TO HELP OUT."
He admits now to his poor judgement, and seems sorry for all the trouble he and his friends caused.
Jeff also has a message for others: Enjoy the fourth, without the fireworks.
"THEY'RE FUN BUT THEY'RE NOT WORTH IT. NOT GOING TO DO THAT AGAIN."
But because Jeff and his friends have cooperated, it appears the Fire Marshall will go easy on them.
It looks like they may pay a fine as well as do some community service.
