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Gun Range Fire is 100% contained, and it may not pose mudslide danger

Residents near the Gun Range Fire may continue to see some smoke or ash blowing in the wind, but it has been 100% contained and the fire danger is over.

The U.S. Forest Service has not determined if the burned area will create a mudslide threat, but the initial reports indicate that may not be a problem, according to the South Davis Metro Fire.

The 320-acre fire, which was reported about 1 a.m. Friday and burned on the mountain on the east side of Bountiful and Centerville, destroyed three homes, damaged five more, and prompted the evacuation of about 400 homes. No injuries were reported.

Investigators believe the fire started with an abandoned campfire in Ward Canyon, said Forest Service spokeswoman Kim Osborn. Police continued to search for two people who reportedly drove away in a small SUV, leaving the campfire burning behind them.

Firefighters will remain at the site of the fire for “several days,” according to South Davis Fire, “watching for hot spots.” Residents may continue to see and smell smoke “until the rains can wet down the entire mountain and burn areas.”

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20% or less chance of rain in the next week.

South Davis Fire also posted on Facebook that the Forest Service’s “initial report is that the fire did not burn deep enough into the earth” to create a risk of mudslides, adding that “they will give us an updated report once their teams have completed their evaluation.”