A grass fire sparked by fireworks Tuesday evening came within 50 feet of a few homes on Panorama Drive, off of Canyon Ferry Drive.

Nearby residents rallied with their garden hoses to extinguish the flames and volunteer fire crews quickly responded to the blaze, which was reported by one of the residents at 5:08 p.m.

Stacey Konency, who lives in the subdivision, said she saw the fire and grabbed her hose.

“All the neighbors came out of the woodwork, which was awesome,” said Konency, who was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

According to Tri-Lakes Fire Chief Bob Drake, the fire charred about an acre-and-a-half in the subdivision on the 4100 block of Panorama Drive.

Two 17-year-old boys were cited for misdemeanor arson for starting the blaze with fireworks, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Phil Clark said. Other charges may be added, he said.

Tri-Lakes, East Helena and East Valley volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze, which was first reported on helenair.com at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday.

A light east-northeast wind picked up the flames and warm temperatures in the 80s continued to dry vegetation. Temperatures are expected to hover just below the 90 degree mark throughout the week, peaking with a high near 92 degrees Saturday.

In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for central and southern Lewis and Clark County for today through Monday with possible isolated showers and thunderstorms, some of which may produce wind gusts up to 50 mph and hail the size of dimes.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com