There have been six brush fires in the foothills areas northeast of Provo this spring and summer. And, according to Provo firemen, apparently all have been started either by fireworks or children with matches. . The latest fire, last Saturday night, covered an estimated 35 acres of grass, sagebrush and scrub oak. This and some of the other fires have destroyed ground cover, exposing the hillsides to accelerated erosion. The damage therefore has been significant. Some home owners in the areas involved have been lucky fires have been controlled before reaching them. The blaze last Saturday nlght got within possibly 80 feet of one home, according to firemen. Fireworks – obviously illegal since both state law and city ordinance forbid any type of fireworks except sparklers and caps caused the Saturday fire and probably three others, according to fire department findings. Remnants found the other night indicate the item responsible was a skyrocket-type propelled by powder in a round cardboard cylinder and which was still afire when it landed. Firemen are still investigating. Charges will be filed if the guilty persons are found. The half-dozen spring and summer fires have included: March 22, in Quail Valley; June 23, Quail Valley; June 29, foothills at 650 East and 4300 North; Aug. 5, foothills at 900 E. and 4500 North; Aug. 10, 750 East and 4525 North; and the Aug. 14 blaze at 4000 North and 850 East. Provo residents – and particularly those in the foothills sector – ought to be deeply concemed over the re ated fires in the area. ‘lgiey should be doubly concemed that these fires have been set either through carelessness or through deliberate use of fireworks, most likely of an illegal kind. Young people, their parents, or anyone having knowledge of firewoirks being used should take the necessary action at once. Tighter vigil also needs to be kept to prevent children from playing with matches. The hills are dry. Fires start easily and spread rapidly. If the proper precautions aren’t taken, there just could be a fire of disastrous proportions, especially with so many homes now located on the foothills. Some of the fires we’ve had could have been tragic had they been fanned by wind. Another serious problem associated with the fires is that spectators move in with their cars, sometimes blocking emergency vehicles and the efforts of the firemen. Last Saturday night eight trucks and 18 men from the Provo Fire Department were joined by units from the Forest Service and Utah County Fire Warden’s office. Police had to be summoned to clear the area of spectator cars so that emergency traffic could be accommodated. A fire scene is no place for sight – seers.