Sandhurst Fire ignites at Ensign Peak

UPDATE — As of Sunday 10 p.m., evacuation notices have been lifted. However, officials are urging residents to remain prepared.

In a briefing Sunday afternoon, Utah fire officials said “existing firelines continue to hold” on the Sandhurst Fire.

As of Sunday, the fire is at 204 acres and is 0% contained.

Also on Sunday evening, Utah Fire Info urged people to give crews the space they need to fight the fire.

Existing firelines continue to hold on the #SandhurstFire. Just because active flames or smoke isn’t visible doesn’t mean there isn’t still fire or heat. Help firefighters by staying away, avoid roads, and stay off trails near the fire area to avoid impacting suppression efforts. pic.twitter.com/SHL2CZfLSc

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 21, 2024

As of Sunday evening, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

UPDATE — Utah Wildfire officials said the Sandhurst Fire spanned approximately 204 acres and containment was zero percent early Sunday. Crews were working the perimeter and mandatory evacuations were still in place for north Dorchester, which totaled 40 homes.

Fire officials estimated early Sunday that the fire was 400 acres, but after another flight said it was about half the size they initially thought.

There was no structural damage to homes or radio towers nearby, and crews are working to keep the fire out of City Creek drainage and communities nearby.

Utah Wildfire said it’s of utmost importance that drones are not flown above the fire by the public. If drones are seen nearby, all aircraft have to ground.

Ryan LaFontaine, a Type 3 Incident Management operations trainee said there was an “extreme response.”

“I think all of (the Salt Lake City Fire Department) was out here fighting this,” he said.

A plane drops fire retardant on the Sandhurst Fire burning above Ensign Peak and north of Salt Lake City on Saturday, July 20, 2024. (Isaac Hale, Deseret News)

South Davis Metro Fire said crews were using Tunnel Sprigs Park as a helicopter base and it would be closed to the public.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation as of Sunday.

SALT LAKE CITY — Ensign Peak caught fire Saturday afternoon, and was first seen by KSL TV on Utah Department of Transportation cameras at approximately 4:40 p.m.

Salt Lake City Fire said an evacuation order is in place for about 40 homes North of Dorchester, Sandhurst Dr., and Twickenham Dr. There is a voluntary evacuation for those north of Ensign Vista along East Capitol to North Cove.

There will be an evacuation center at the Capitol Building. “Take only the essential items you have ready. Close and lock windows and doors as you leave.”

Here is a map of the mandatory evacuations as of 7:30 pm July 20, 2024.

Head over to our Facebook page for a briefing from @slcfire. pic.twitter.com/vSCfFacrbU

— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) July 21, 2024

The wildfire had grown to an estimated 10 acres at 6:18 p.m., according to Utah Fire Info. They reported the fire was visible from Interstate 15, and was threatening radio towers. SLCPD said City Creek Trail is closed due to the wildfire.

“The fuel source for this fire is mostly dry brush,” SLCPD said in a post on X.

SLCPD also said that firefighters are fighting from the air and the ground.

“The terrain is described by firefighters as very steep and rocky,” according to a post on X. And that they are “well-trained for these types of situations.”

At 8:45 p.m., Bob Silverthorne with Salt Lake City Fire told KSL TV that the fire was somewhat contained, and firefighters would likely continue to work until midday Sunday to make sure there is no chance for reignition.

He said firefighters are “Cautiously optimistic, the level of concern is cautiously down.”

Silverthorne asked that people stay vigilant in staying up-to-date with fire guidelines, and stay smart when interacting with fire.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated at this time.

That area should be avoided for safety.

This story is breaking and will be updated as officials provide more information.