87-year-old Washington Terrace man dies from injuries in Adams Fire

The Adams Fire burns near Washington Terrace on Monday, July 27, 2026. The fast-moving grass fire prompted evacuations and later claimed the life of 87-year-old Cecil “Ted” Burrell. Photo: Utah Fire Info

Deputies found Cecil “Ted” Burrell severely burned while evacuating homes as the fast-moving wildfire approached a residential neighborhood

WASHINGTON TERRACE, Utah — An 87-year-old Washington Terrace man died Monday after suffering severe burns in the Adams Fire, a fast-moving grass fire that forced residents from their homes and threatened structures in southern Weber County.

The Weber County Sheriff’s Office identified the man Tuesday as Cecil “Ted” Burrell.

The fire was reported around 11:45 a.m. Monday near Interstate 84 and Adams Avenue Parkway, according to the sheriff’s office. Strong winds and dry vegetation fueled its rapid growth toward homes near 5700 South in Washington Terrace.

As firefighters worked to slow the flames, deputies and officers began going door to door to evacuate residents on the south end of the city.

During those evacuations, officers learned that one resident was unaccounted for. Deputies went to Burrell’s home, where they encountered thick smoke and ash and found a trailer burning, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies and officers from other agencies located Burrell with severe burns, carried him away from the home and transported him to a nearby emergency room. He died from his injuries later that day.

A Weber County sheriff’s deputy also sustained minor injuries during the response and was treated and released, according to information provided by officials Monday.

The fire, which officials initially estimated at approximately 75 acres, prompted mandatory evacuations from 5500 South to the fire line and from Adams Avenue west to 500 West. One home sustained minor damage, while a trailer was heavily damaged.

Fire crews from multiple cities and counties responded as flames moved through grass and brush near the neighborhood. Evacuations remained in place until approximately 5:30 p.m., when residents were allowed to return to their homes, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. No cause had been announced as of Tuesday.

“The Weber County Sheriff’s Office extends its sympathy to Cecil’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the agency said in its release. “We are thankful that deputies and officers acted quickly to rescue and get him to medical care.”