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Authorities suspect that arson is to blame for chain of fires in Utah and Wyoming

(Photo courtesy Utah Fire Info) Investigators to believe there is a tie among all six arson fires along I-80 in Utah on Tuesday, and additional fires in Wyoming.

Fire investigators believe arsonists are behind six wildfires that broke out Monday along Interstate 80 in Utah, from Tooele County to Summit County — including one that has burned through nearly 600 acres — and extending into Wyoming.

“They’ve found significant evidence … at the fires, witness information and other factors,” said Leann Fox, spokeswoman for fire crews, in an interview with The Salt Lake Tribune. “There is a strong correlation between this start and [five] other arson fires around I-80.”

Three of the fires broke out within 10 miles of one another in Tooele County, shutting down one lane of I-80 for about half an hour Monday, FOX 13 reported.

At 536 acres, the Tervels Fire 6½ miles northeast of Coalville was the largest of the fires believed to have been deliberately started. It was 25 percent contained Wednesday morning.

Investigators believed something flammable was thrown from a car traveling on I-80 in Utah and Wyoming. Anyone with information about that fire or others along I-80 may call the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at 435-615-3500.