The ‘Flatline Fire’ hints at a concerning wildfire season for Utah
May 23, 2022, 1:12 PM | Updated: May 21, 2023, 4:42 pm
WASATCH COUNTY, Utah – Firefighters are still monitoring the “Flatline Fire” that broke out Sunday afternoon north of Heber near the Flatline Hiking and Mountain Biking Trail.
This mark’s the year’s first wildfire of the season.
Mike Eriksson, with the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, said the timing of the fire is unusual.
“May is usually a quiet month for anywhere along the Wasatch back,” said Eriksson.
Investigators confirmed the Flatline Fire is the result of a human-caused fire. In addition, the area is experiencing fire conducive conditions.
“We’re in a drought. We didn’t get the snow impact we were hoping for this winter. The spring’s kind of been hit or miss, kind of drier too,” said Eriksson.
As of Monday morning, Eriksson said their big concerns include a couple of spot fires and making sure they’re not moving anywhere else.
He said they have some extra crew help on hand. While this is most likely their first fire of the season, it’s likely not the last.
“They’re kind of up and running. This is their first fire of the year,” said Eriksson. “We’re certainly setting up for a bad fire season this year.”
As of Monday morning, he said the fire was burning at 85 acres with 5% containment.
Just after 1:30 p.m., local fire officials said “more accurate mapping was provided,” decreasing the Flatline Fire to 25 acres and 30% containment.
Additional resources, including @AltaHotshots & @DromedaryPeak, arrived today on the #FlatLineFire. More accurate mapping was provided, decreasing the fire to 25 acres. Containment grew to 30%. Fire personnel will continue to tie in the perimeter to secure the fire's edge.
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) May 23, 2022
