This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Rural Iron County homeowners pitched in to help Cedar City, state and federal forest firefighters beat back flames that erupted in tinder-dry rangeland.

Iron County Sheriff's Lt. Del Schlosser said crews were rushed to the scene, near 7700 West and Vandenberg Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, when thick, black smoke began billowing into the skies.

Deputies went from home to home, alerting residents of the approaching flames.

"Garden hoses, shovels and other items were used to protect the homes and property by those in the area," Schlosser said.

Those efforts were soon augmented by crews from the Cedar City Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. and Utah forest services.

Before being halted at 50 acres, the fire destroyed a wood pile near a home, four power poles and a farm vehicle.

Schlosser said it appeared the fire was sparked by a bird flying into a power line.

Damage was estimated at $10,000.

No injuries were reported.

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