PHOTO: A cluster of bushes in front of the Calvary Chapel church on Highway 69 in Prescott went up in flame due to illegal burning midday Thursday, Aug. 15, officials said.
The Prescott Fire Department responded to the church around 12:20 p.m. after receiving several calls of smoke in the area. Firefighters determined that the fire was isolated to a few bushes and that there was little threat of it spreading further, Prescott firefighter Conrad Jackson said. One engine and one brush truck were enough to quickly douse the smoldering bushes and cut back the burnt brush.
Church staff admitted to accidentally starting the fire while they were using a propane torch to burn weeds that were growing from cracks in the asphalt and brickwork around the facility, Jackson said.