Closures in place as crews battle lightning-sparked wildfire in American Fork Canyon

UPDATE: The Tibble Fire is 100% contained, although state fire officials say some smoke may still be visible overnight.

“Fire activity was smoldering, creeping with occasional torching. Multiple bucket drops were utilized to suppress flames and hot spots along with hand line for containment,” read a Saturday evening tweet from Utah Fire Info.

#TibbleFire is 100% contained. Fire activity was smoldering, creeping with occasional torching. Multiple bucket drops were utilized to suppress flames and hot spots along with hand line for containment. Pine Hollow trailhead remains closed for a helicopter landing zone. #uwcnf

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 24, 2022

Officials say Grey Cliffs, Tank Canyon and Echo day use sites are now open, however, the Pine Hollow trailhead will remain closed for a helicopter landing zone as crews resume operations Sunday.

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir will also be closed Sunday for firefighter and public safety.

“The helicopter needs to have the dipping site clear,” another Facebook post from Utah Fire Info stated.

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AMERICAN FORK, Utah — A new wildfire has sparked in American Fork Canyon.

The Tibble Fire — located north of state Route 92 and west of state Route 144 — has burned approximately 0.5 acre, as of 2:01 p.m. Saturday, according to state fire officials.

The fire is in steep, rocky terrain above the Echo and Grey Cliffs picnic sites.

“Echo, Grey Cliffs, Tank canyon and Box Elder trail are temporarily closed due to fire activity & helicopter operations,” read a Saturday morning tweet from Utah Fire Info.

#TibbleFire approximately 1/2 acre in size, located North of SR-92 & West of SR-144 #americanforkcanyon, in steep rocky terrain of Lone Peak Wilderness. Echo, Grey Cliffs, Tank canyon and Box Elder trail are temporarily closed due to fire activity & helicopter operations @UWCNF pic.twitter.com/slPR7xmT4m

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 23, 2022

According to state fire officials, Salmon Heli-Rappellers out of Salmon, Idaho, have now taken command of the blaze, which sparked around 7 p.m. Friday.

“They will be coordinating bucket drops with a Type 2 helicopter,” the agency’s tweet stated.

Pine Hollow trailhead is closed for use as a landing zone.

#TibbleFire update. Salmon Rappeller’s out of Salmon Idaho have taken command of the fire. They will be coordinating bucket drops with a Type 2 helicopter. Cause: lightning. Size: still estimated at 1/2 acre. pic.twitter.com/6w9aKYILHr

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 23, 2022

The Tibble Fire was caused by lightning.