Dozens of homes evacuated as human-caused wildfire burns near Ensign Peak

SALT LAKE CITY — A wildfire broke out Saturday afternoon near Ensign Peak, and around 40 houses nearby have been evacuated.

Utah Wildfire Info first reported the fire around 4:45 p.m. The agency later said the fire was threatening radio towers on the mountain.

VIDEO BELOW: Flames spreading on the hillside (via SLCPD)

Firefighting planes and/or helicopters are on the way. It has been named the "Sandhurst Fire," and it was estimated at 150 acres as of 7:45 p.m. State officials said it was human-caused, but the exact cause was not given.

Salt Lake City Police said mandatory evacuations have been ordered for homes north of Dorchester Drive on Sandhurst Drive, as well as Twickenham Drive. Voluntary evacuations are also in place for homes north of Ensign Vista on East Capitol Boulevard.

Officials said an estimated 40 homes have been evacuated.

VIDEO BELOW: Air tankers and helicopters drop fire retardant and water

The Utah State Capitol building is open to evacuees, according to SLCPD.

City Creek Canyon is closed to the public, and police asked anyone at Memory Grove Park to leave so they don't interfere with firefighting efforts.

This article will be updated as the situation develops.

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