Firefighters helped rescue two juvenile kestrels at the Millcreek Fire. Photo: Salt Lake City Fire Department

MILLCREEK, Utah — The Millcreek Fire that burned along Interstate 80 and caused travel impacts through Parleys Canyon has been extinguished, but the response included an unexpected rescue mission involving two young falcons.

Salt Lake City Fire Department crews discovered two juvenile kestrel falcons while battling the Millcreek Fire Monday evening. The young birds had become separated from their parents during firefighting operations and were temporarily taken to a safe location away from smoke and flames.

According to the Salt Lake City Fire Department, firefighters from Station 3, C Platoon cared for the birds while their parents searched nearby.

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After the juvenile kestrels had time to recover, the birds hopped up and flew back to their parents.

“Not every rescue involves people,” the department said in a social media post. “Wildfires impact more than just people, they affect the wildlife that call these areas home.”

The Millcreek Fire ignited Monday near Tanner Park and Parleys Historic Nature Park, burning through dry vegetation in steep terrain near Interstate 80. The fire prompted traffic impacts through Parleys Canyon as crews responded, with smoke visible from across the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Back.

Multiple agencies assisted with suppression efforts, including ground crews and aircraft. Officials reported no structure losses or evacuations connected to the fire.

The fire was fully extinguished Tuesday, according to fire officials.

The incident highlighted the broader impact of wildfires on the ecosystems surrounding urban areas, where wildlife can be displaced even when flames remain away from homes and neighborhoods.

Firefighters said they were grateful to help reunite the kestrel family after the blaze.

“Not every rescue involves people,” the department said. “We’re grateful we could play a small part in bringing this family back together.”