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Murray police said Wednesday that a male juvenile has been arrested in connection with a fast-moving blaze that threatened homes along the Jordan River Parkway.

Police spokesman Kenny Bass could offer no details beyond confirming the arrest. However, the arrest seemed to give weight to earlier witness reports abour several children running from the grasslands near the Hunters Woods apartments and condominium complex at 4800 South and 700 West, shortly before flames erupted about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Crews were able to keep the fire from spreading into the residential area, but not before about 10 acres of grasslands were blackened, a wooden pedestrian bridge was destroyed, a small communications tower toppled and about 1,000 feet of plastic fencing melted.

Earlier, Deputy Murray Fire Marshal Pat Killian said the children, along with numerous transient camps along the parkway, were investigated as possible sources.

Crews arrived about three minutes after the initial 911 call, but found the blaze already racing through the tinder-dry grass.

"We were very, very lucky this time around," Killian said, adding praise for "lots of citizens who were out with garden hoses and stamping out flames."

Firefighters initially evacuated several residences before they gained control of the flames and eventually doused them by 9 p.m. Tuesday. Crews remain on the scene, however, throughout the night to deal with flareups and mop up hot spots.

No human injuries were reported, but Killian said firefighters found a badly burned raccoon. The animal was later euthanized by a veterinarian.

Damage estimates were still being assessed on Wednesday.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims