A helicopter makes a drop on the East Canyon Fire as it burns north of East Canyon State Park, on Tuesday, June 8, near Morgan, Utah. Photo: Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP

MORGAN COUNTY, Utah. — As of last night, the East Canyon Fire is 45% contained and 835 acres have been burned. The fire near East Canyon State Park had grown to about 1.3 square miles (3.4 square kilometers) and forced the evacuation of two families. Evacuations have since been lifted and Highway 66 is open.

The cause of the fire is being reported as “Human – Heavy Equipment,” by Utah Wildfire Info. It was started Tuesday morning when a track hoe hit a rock, officials said. A piece of heavy equipment struck a rock with its track and sparked the first flame.

“Dominion Energy issued a statement Wednesday regarding the investigation, saying one of its contractors was using heavy equipment on that day and reported the fire.” – KSL
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The statement read:

“We are fully supporting the emergency response efforts and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the East Canyon fire. Based on our current understanding, on June 8 a contractor working for Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline (DEQP) was mobilizing heavy equipment to support pipeline maintenance near East Canyon Reservoir. The contractor reported observation of the fire to DEQP and fire officials. DEQP staff have been on-site working with Morgan County and Utah’s Department of Natural Resources to assist in protecting the safety of both people and property,” wrote a Communications Advisor for Dominion Energy Services.