ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — A large fire tore through several homes in St. George late Friday. The Spectrum reports it also caused widespread traffic problems downtown before being contained that evening. Police say multiple houses were caught in the blaze and at least five homes were affected. Traffic lights were also shut off near where the fire started and motorists faced delays in the downtown blocks near the blaze. A tall column of smoke rose over the fire shortly after it started and the dark smoke was visible from most of St. George and some other parts of Washington County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.