This Is What Started The Parleys Canyon Fire In Utah

The Parleys Canyon Fire is burning in Summit County. On Monday, Summit County issued a Declaration of Local Emergency in response to the fire, reported ABC 4. Officials in the county are requesting aid from the state to help battle the fire.

So what caused the flames?

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the wildfire was started by a vehicle. A fire investigator found pieced of a broken catalytic converter on the side of the road. Those broken pieces caused a spark that ignited the fire. Fire investigators are still looking for the vehicle that caused the fire.

According to Kayli Yardley, Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands prevention specialist, fires caused by vehicles have burned more than 2,500 acres across the state already this year. These fires are typically started by trailer chains dragging, and other objects being dragged behind vehicles.

"The general public is not taking good care of their vehicles. It's driving the cost of car repairs up," said Chad Everill, owner of Master Muffler in Kearns. "I think the state should step in."

Yardley said, "It is very important for the public to properly maintain and care for their vehicles/trailers to help lessen human-caused fire starts along the roadways."