UINTA COUNTY — A Bridger Valley resident’s controlled burn ended up out of control on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 12, after flames leapt from a burn barrel to surrounding areas at a home on County Road 253.

The fire claimed a vehicle on the property and also damaged fences and an outbuilding.

“It was unattended and they did not have a screen on it,” Uinta County Fire and Ambulance Chief Dexter Mohler told the Pioneer. “The family was inside the home, heard a small explosion and, when they looked outside, the car was already on fire.”

Mohler said he estimates about $8,000 to $10,000 in damages from the incident. The vehicle was a Smart car, a very compact make with a gas engine. Had it been electric-powered, firefighters may have had a more difficult time extinguishing the flames, Mohler said.

A Facebook post by Uinta County Fire and Ambulance about the incident states, “As we enter the pre-green up this spring, the fire danger is elevated and everyone is asked to please use caution when burning.”

Mohler echoed that warning when he spoke with the Pioneer.

“This time of year, fires can travel fast in the dead fuels,” Mohler said, “so we just advise people to use caution — make sure they have somebody attending to the fire at all times and pay attention to weather reports and expected winds.”

Mohler said anyone who has questions or more advice or fire-saftey tips can call 307-789-8556.