1 / 3

Crews respond to a fire caused by illegally discharged fireworks on the east side of Ogden on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Photo supplied, Ogden City Fire Department

2 / 3

A family was displaced from their home due to a fire caused by illegally discharged fireworks on the east side of Ogden on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Photo supplied, Ogden City Fire Department

3 / 3

The results of a fire caused by illegally discharged fireworks on the east side of Ogden on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Photo supplied, Ogden City Fire Department

❮ ❯

OGDEN — A Sunday-morning fire necessitated evacuations, left a family displaced and required assistance from several area firefighting and law enforcement entities.

The likely culprit: illegally discharged fireworks.

According to a press release from the Ogden City Fire Department, a fast-moving grass fire was reported at 12:30 a.m. Sunday near the Ninth Street trailhead and Maxfield Drive.

“When crews arrived, the fire was rapidly approaching homes,” the release said. “Ogden Firefighters immediately took action to protect structures, placing themselves between the flames and the houses.

“Ogden Police officers assisted with evacuations, while dispatchers managed emergency calls and helped guide residents to safety. Wildland crews worked to stop the fire from spreading into additional neighborhoods, while Ogden Fire Emergency Management assisted displaced residents.”

The press release added that, according to a preliminary investigation, illegally discharged fireworks were the cause of the fire. The reported fire came well after the 11 p.m. cutoff time for legal discharge, and the location, east of Harrison Boulevard, has had a total ban on fireworks discharge for years.

Ogden Deputy Fire Chief Mike Slater told the Standard-Examiner on Monday that 20 people were evacuated with upwards of four homes receiving damage — one to the point that it is uninhabitable and the family was displaced. According to the press release, the American Red Cross is assisting the family. Other residents were able to return to the area within a few hours.

A large response was required to fight Sunday morning’s fire.

“In total, over 50 firefighters and 22 firefighting units were involved in bringing the fire under control,” the release said. “Fire crews will remain on-site for the next few days to monitor hot spots and ensure the area remains safe.”

Responding fire entities included Ogden City Fire Department, Weber Fire District, North View Fire District, South Ogden Fire Department, Washington Terrace Fire Department and the Davis County Wildland Strike Team (including South Weber, Layton City and Clinton City fire departments)

Slater added that the blaze took several hours to bring under control and that around 3-5 acres were burned. An accurate mapping of the burn area was being conducted Monday.

He also noted that additional fire patrols had been active prior to the blaze during the fireworks discharge period around Independence Day.

“For the extra patrols we callback staffing and utilize vehicles such as brush trucks to patrol the restricted areas,” he said. “This allows for a preventative presence but also a quick response in those areas. We also have our normal crews out of the station patrolling those areas.”

The press release noted that these extra patrols ceased around midnight.

Slater said the Ogden City Fire Department is continuing to investigate and will include local law enforcement as well if needed.

“We have a negligent fire ordinance in Ogden City,” he said. “The responsible party can be liable for all firefighting costs and damages.”

Whether handling fireworks or other legal applications of fire, he added that the public needs to keep safety in mind.

“We just want to remind people to be responsible and safe when celebrating,” he said. “Please follow the rules as negligent fires can negatively impact others. It is still dry and hot and any small spark can cause a big fire.”