Art Nord Fire near Snowbasin was cause by gunfire

Art Nord fire located near Snowbasin, and is approximately 50 acres and was caused by target shooting. Photo: U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

HUNTSVILLE, Utah. — As of Sunday, the Art Nord Fire off of Old Snowbasin Road in Weber County is 46.3 acres and 5% contained. There is a total of 75 personnel involved with the firefighting. A helicopter was used to help slow the progression of the fire to allow firefighters on the ground to begin suppression strategies. Handcrews dug a containment line around 6 structures and homes that were in danger. Portions of Highway 39 have been closed by UDOT.

The fire was human-caused by target shooting. Target shooting is not allowed with 600 feet from structures. A spark can start a small fire and grow to become a large threat to homes. People who cause wildfires by abandoning a campfire, dragging chains, or target shooting can be held accountable for suppression costs around fire mitigation.

In 2020, 88 large fires have burned 1,456,925 acres in 13 states. Nearly 22,000 wildland firefighters and 33 Type 1 and Type 2 incident management teams are assigned to these incidents.