Machine Gun Fire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Machine Gun Fire |
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| Location | Herriman, Utah |
| Coordinates | 40°25′41″N 112°4′56″W / 40.42806°N 112.08222°W |
| Statistics | |
| Burned area | 4,351 acres (18 km2) |
| Cause | National Guard target practice |
| Motive | Accidental |
| Map | |
 Location in Utah
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The Machine Gun Fire, also called the Camp Williams Fire, was a big wildfire that happened in Herriman, Utah in 2010. This fire burned over 4,351 acres of land. It also caused about 1,600 homes to be evacuated, and sadly, three homes were completely destroyed. The fire started by accident during a training exercise by the National Guard troops.
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How the Fire Started
The fire began on Sunday, September 19, 2010. National Guard troops were doing a live-fire training exercise at Camp Williams. They were using a powerful .50 caliber machine gun.
Weather Warnings Ignored
The weather that day was very dry and windy. Strong east winds were blowing from the Wasatch Mountains. Days before the fire, the National Weather Service had issued special warnings. First, they put out a "Fire Weather Watch" for the weekend. Then, they upgraded it to a "Red Flag Warning." This warning means that conditions are very dangerous for fires to start and spread quickly.
Accidental Ignition
Even with these warnings and rules against live-fire training in such conditions, the Utah National Guard unit started their exercise. They did not use tracer rounds, which are very flammable. However, small pieces of hot metal, called shrapnel, flew off and hit the dry bushes. This caused the brush to catch fire. The Utah National Guard later took full responsibility for starting the blaze.
Fighting the Blaze
When the fire was first noticed at the Camp Williams Machine Gun Firing Range, firefighters from the camp quickly responded. They had help from two Black Hawk helicopters. They tried to put out the fire, but the strong, dry winds made it very difficult.
Fire Spreads to Homes
The fire quickly grew and moved northwest. It crossed Oak Springs Hollow and then Shep's Ridge. Soon, it reached the edge of Herriman and began to burn some houses. The firefighters from Camp Williams called the Utah Unified Fire Authority for more help. Many local fire departments joined the effort.
Containment and Federal Aid
Fire crews worked hard to control the fire. By September 24, 2010, the fire was fully contained. It had burned over 4,351 acres. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stepped in to help. FEMA approved a special grant to pay for up to 75 percent of the costs of fighting the fire.
Evacuations continued for a few days. By Tuesday, September 21, 2010, the number of homes under evacuation orders dropped to 450. On the same day, officials announced that the fire was 50 percent contained. Many residents were then allowed to return to their homes.
