Crews Battling Several Wildfires As Record Heat Wave Moves In

SALT LAKE CITY — Crews are battling wildfires across Utah as temperatures are expected to reach into the 100s this week, setting several records.

Red flag and excessive heat warnings are in effect for large portions of the Beehive State through Tuesday.

Temperatures will pass 100 degrees across Utah today, and excessive heat and red flag warnings are in effect through Tuesday.@KSLweyman has details this morning on @KSL5TV. #KSLTV #UTWX https://t.co/IGbqBJaZ4U

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) June 14, 2021

Fire officials said most of the state was in Extreme Fire Danger Risk Monday afternoon.

“When conditions are EXTREME all fires are potentially serious because fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. It is often too dangerous for firefighters to engage with direct attack suppression tactics,” read a Facebook post from Utah Fire Info.

Pack Creek Fire Forces Evacuations

New evacuation orders were issued Sunday for all private property in and around the area east of Geyser Pass on the La Sal Mountains, from Blue Lake down through Dark Canyon area, due to the Pack Creek Fire.

“We have been notified that the Pack Creek Fire has breached the Geyser Pass road and therefore, for the safety of all citizens, we ask that you evacuate at this time while it is safe to do so,” read a Facebook post from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials lifted evacuation orders for residents in the lower Pack Creek Ranches area earlier Sunday.

The #PackCreekFire is 8,243 acres & 6% contained. We are seeing drought conditions that haven’t been seen for at least 90 years. More containment line was secured yesterday around Pack Creek, but containment remains at 6% due to fire growth. More: https://t.co/hxECCbnwnM pic.twitter.com/9VV173t7iG

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 14, 2021

 

However, evacuations were still in effect for the remaining homes past the U.S. Forest Service boundary.

The blaze was sparked Wednesday evening in San Juan County on the Manti-La Sal National Forest, south of Moab.

It had burned an estimated 8,243 acres and was 16% contained as of Monday evening.

“The significant spread of the Pack Creek Fire since Wednesday, June 9, is the result of drought conditions in the Manti-La Sal Mountains that haven’t been seen for at least 90 years,” fire officials said. “The combination of record heat, extremely dry fuels and steep, rugged terrain presents historic challenges for firefighters attempting to control the fire’s spread. More containment line was secured yesterday around Pack Creek, but containment remains at 6% due to growth in the fire perimeter.”

An area closure took effect Saturday, which prohibits public access to the west side of the La Sal Mountains, about 10 miles southeast of Moab.

More than 50 roads and trails in the area are also closed in order to keep the public away and safe.

Officials said containment of the fire was challenging for firefighters due to the steep, rocky terrain, but with the addition of more than 100 personnel over the next two days, efforts were expected to improve.

The blaze was caused by an abandoned campfire, according to state fire officials.

The blaze was sparked by natural causes.

Bear Fire

#BearFire infrared and maps showing containment actions. The fire is currently mapped at about 10,932 acres and is 14% contained. Find downloadable maps and full update at https://t.co/WO0vgxwGsc pic.twitter.com/q5fxiXfiS8

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 14, 2021

Hwy 6 is back open, but firefighters on the #bearfire working on the side of the highway are being moved off of it because of speeding and aggressive drivers. Earlier today, falling rocks were a hazard. We're doing a story on this fire for @KSL5TV at 10. 📷Geoff Liesik/BLM #ksltv pic.twitter.com/3Ysc2qzZwi

— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) June 12, 2021

A Type II federal firefighting team took control of the fire Friday evening, which means more resources, instead of only state and local fire crews.

“Priorities (Monday) are to continue to construct containment lines above Helper and north of Spring Canyon Road,” officials said. “If conditions are favorable, this may include burning above the road. The second priority is to secure the fireline along Ford Ridge.”

Broad Canyon Fire

The Broad Canyon Fire, which started west of Utah Lake near Little Moab in Utah County, reached 100% containment Sunday night.

Just after noon Sunday, crews said they were continuing to secure the perimeter of the fire, but officials were worried about high winds testing the fire line.

“Fire lines have held throughout the day’s heat/wind and the majority of resources will be demobilized tomorrow,” read a tweet later that day from Utah Fire Info.

Fire officials have updated the containment of the #BroadCanyonFire to 100%. Fire lines have held throughout the day's heat/wind & the majority of resources will be demobilized tomorrow. Unless significant events take place, this will be the last update for this incident.#blmdo

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 14, 2021

Command of the blaze shifted overnight to a local BLM Incident Commander, according to a tweet from Utah Fire Info.

The cause was determined to be from an escaped camp fire.

The blaze, which started Saturday, June 5 in the Dixie National Forest, forced the evacuation of around 250 homes and cabins and about 150 people in the Mammoth Creek Village.

On Sunday, officials said the order was being evaluated by the Garfield County Sheriff and fire managers.

They also said command would transition from the Type 2 Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 back to the local unit at 6 a.m. Monday.