Human-Caused Big Hollow Fire At 418 Acres, 22% Containment
Jul 17, 2020, 10:45 PM
DANIEL, Utah – Fire officials said the Big Hollow Fire has burned 418 acres and is 22 percent contained as of Friday night.
In a valley known for its postcard views, it’s not the mountains Bob Fredericks wanted pictures of.
Coming from Nebraska, he said you just don’t see wildfires like the one burning in Daniel, especially with firefighting airplane pilots maneuvering just right to get their perfect shot.
“We might have a hill that catches on fire every once-in-a-while, but, no, nothing like this,” Fredericks said.
On the left, smoke from the #BigHollowFire still burning in Wasatch County. On the right, dust and ash blowing from where the wildfire already burned through. An update on this fire is expected soon. We’ll have it for you on @KSL5TV at 5 and 6. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/JAmgzpCEfw
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 17, 2020
The Big Hollow Fire started burning awfully close to homes Thursday, prompting evacuations along Little Sweden Road.
By Friday morning, though, winds kept the flames burning away from town, allowing residents to go back home.
It also gave firefighters a good chance to contain the fire.
Mike Erikkson with Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands said they were working to “keep it out here — property and life safety are still our top priorities on this fire. Keep the public safe, keep our firefighters safe and hopefully not burn any home down up here.”
Latest on the #BigHollowFire burning in Daniel in Wasatch County from @UtahWildfire ; 418 acres, 22% containment. Things look a lot better right now. pic.twitter.com/LRO7rjkRae
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 17, 2020
By late Friday afternoon, fire crews were able to get the fire 22 percent contained.
The fire’s cause was still under investigation, though it appears someone started it. Investigators have said it is human-caused.
That’s why Fredericks brought his granddaughters, who live in Wasatch County, with him to see the fire.
He wanted to show them the dangers of wildfires and the number of resources it takes to fight them.
“It’s Mother Nature at its finest, and also at its scariest,” Fredericks said. “Today’s a little different. I hate to see this.”
It was an up-close lesson that was better than even the perfect picture could capture.
