Layton City officials on July 8 recognized four residents and a church volunteer whose prompt reporting, warnings to neighbors and security footage helped the Layton Fire Department identify suspects and limit property damage after a vegetation fire near the Cades Creek Trail on June 20, 2025.

The awards came during a council meeting where Fire Marshal Doug Benton outlined the sequence of events and commended the group’s “bravery, presence of mind, and sense of civic duty.” Benton said the blaze began after two juveniles ignited a firework under red-flag conditions and that the fire advanced rapidly toward nearby fences and homes.

Benton said Jaden Critchley, who was hiking on the trail, called 911 and provided an eyewitness account and description of the suspects. “She continued her support after the incident by providing a detailed witness statement, including accurate description of the suspects and their actions,” Benton said. He credited residents Aiden Jones and Zachary Newbold with alerting homes on Kingview Drive, and he thanked Chris Crowder of Layton Christian Life Center for retrieving high-quality security footage that aided the investigation.

The fire department’s inspector later used the footage to locate the youths and, working with law enforcement, obtained confessions. Benton invited the honorees — Critchley, Jones, Newbold (if present) and Crowder — to the dais for handshakes and public thanks from the mayor and council.

Council members and city staff praised the responders and volunteers at the meeting. Mayor Petro and councilmembers noted the importance of public involvement and earlier neighborhood workdays that reduced fuel on the hillside, which officials said helped mitigate what “could have been a disaster.” Assistant Fire Chief Scott Mahn and other fire officials joined Benton in recognizing the individuals.

The council’s recognition was a ceremonial acknowledgment; no formal policy action or new funding was proposed at the meeting.

The city’s presentation emphasized the role of residents and local organizations in early reporting and post-incident cooperation that aided firefighters and investigators.