LAYTON -- Charges have been filed by the Layton City prosecutor against the woman who police believe started a wildfire in the Snow Canyon area on Layton's east bench last month. Ina M. Smith, 50, has been charged with reckless burning, a class A misdemeanor and burning without a permit, a class B misdemeanor, for the Sept. 14 fire that started at 3200 E. 1300 North here.

The fire tied up fire agencies from throughout Davis County as well as Weber County and the U.S. Forest Service.

Police officers said that Smith had told them she had wanted to burn away some debris near her home because she feared it would be a fire risk.

Some 20 homes had to be evacuated as crews worked to contain the fire. It burned about 400 acres within 90 minutes.

High winds initially thwarted firefighting efforts, and air tankers and helicopters were called to the scene until a storm helped control the flames.

A Nov. 14 court date has been set for Smith. If convicted of the class A misdemeanor, she could face a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. The class B misdemeanor could net her a six-month sentence and a $1,000 fine.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com