Two juvenile kestrel falcons separated from their parents in smoke and flames got an unexpected assist Monday, Aug. 3, when Salt Lake City Fire Department crews spotted them during operations at the Millcreek Fire.

The 15-acre blaze ignited along I-80 and pushed through Parleys Historic Nature Park adjacent to Tanner Park, threatening structures before crews gained control. As we reported Monday, helicopters used Canyon Rim Elementary as a water-drop staging site. But while battling the fire on the ground, crews came across a smaller emergency: two young kestrels, alone and disoriented in the haze.

Firefighters sheltered the birds and gave them a safe spot to recover from smoke exposure, according to ABC4, which reported on the department's social media post. Shortly after, the parent falcons returned to the area, searching for their young. Once the juveniles had rested, they hopped up and flew back to their parents.

The department shared photos of the rescue on social media Tuesday, writing that not every rescue involves people. As Fox13 also reported, the department noted that wildfires affect the wildlife that call these areas home and added that it was grateful to play a small part in reuniting the falcon family.

Parleys Historic Nature Park, an approximately 87-acre open space at the mouth of Parleys Canyon, contains a wildlife refuge area, a natural habitat restoration area and a daylighted stretch of Parley's Creek. The park sits adjacent to Tanner Park and is accessible via Parley's Trail, making it one of the most-used green spaces in the Canyon Rim neighborhood.

Millcreek resident Julie Naeth, who lives on Louise Street near the fire's origin, told ABC4 on Aug. 3 that the blaze was the second grass fire in nearly the same location within a month. "They are putting their lives at risk to protect our neighborhood … We are just really proud of all of the responders," Naeth said.

The Millcreek Fire was declared out Monday evening. No evacuations were ordered and no injuries were reported.

Coming up: The Millcreek Arts Fest brings more than 70 artists and live music to the Baldwin Radio Factory on Saturday, Aug. 15.