At 21:59 on the 3rd of May, as people were getting ready to watch the Fireworks commemorating the end of the Eagle Mountain Pony Express days, people noticed an orange glow on Turtle Hill. Turtle Hill is one of the peaks found on Lake Mountain. The peak is found between the City Center and Ranches areas in Eagle Mountain, and is located east of Frontier Middle School. United Fire Authority, the fire fighting group contracted to protect Eagle Mountain were called to a fire on the top of Turtle Hill. They responded quickly, and flashing red lights could be seen on the hill shortly after the call went out.
A call was made to dispatch about a fire on the top of turtle hill. The fire was reported as growing in size. They UFA dispatched a UTV to the top of the hill to investigate, as well as dispatched a second truck for support at the base of the hill. When the UFA arrived on scene, they found a group of teenagers having a bonfire. The bonfire was comprised of stacked pallets with no fire ring or source of extinguishment. They firefighters then extinguished the fire. The last unit was cleared and the fire units left the scene at 22:30.
With the fire season upon us, and with the growing number of fires reported over the last few weeks, we need to make sure we do what we need to do to keep the risk low. Luckly this bonfire did not get away from the teenagers, and was reported so it could be extinguished.
You can read the incident report from UFA below, or from this link.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.