Knolls Fire Reaches 100% Containment On Perimeter

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah — On Independence Day, city officials said crews reached 100% containment on the perimeter of the Knolls Fire in Saratoga Springs.

Officials said they’re really happy with the progress they’ve made, but there’s still a lot of work for them to do.

Crews will be spending the next few days putting out hot spots on Lake Mountain.

Crews have reached 100% containment on the perimeter of the Knolls Fire, according to David Johnson, spokesperson for Saratoga Springs. They will now work on extinguishing hotspots within the perimeter.

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) July 4, 2020

The area has been closed until further notice so crews can work. That means no walking, biking, or off road vehicles anywhere on the mountain.

Firefighters said on top of having hot spots to put out, they’re on high alert with the dry conditions.

The evacuation order was officially lifted, according to David Johnson, spokesperson for Saratoga Springs, so families can return home and start any necessary repairs on their properties.

Citizens have been advised to stay off Lake Mountain for the holiday weekend while crews work on the Knolls Fire. David Johnson, spokesperson for Saratoga Springs, said residents are no longer under an evacuation warning.

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) July 4, 2020

City officials said they considered it a miracle that only one home was lost.

“We thought we were going to lose our house and all of our memories,” said Saratoga Springs resident James Wight.

The Knolls Fire prompted the evacuation of 3,100 homes and approximately 13,000 residents. It burned 13,000 acres, destroying 1 home and 18 fences.

Johnson said they had firefighters from out of state assisting in the efforts, adding that approximately 200 firefighters have been working on the mountain each day.

“We are using a lot of resources to fight this fire. We just want to thank all the agencies that have come out — including over a dozen law enforcement agencies,” Johnson said.

“Oh, it’s crazy! There is no other explanation other than God let the fire go around us,” Wight said. “Thanks to the good men and women who fought the fire back, we got to keep our homes. So grateful for them.”

The next step is being proactive about what comes next, Johnson said.

If heavy rain hits, causing flooding and mudslides, he said they will be uploading resources from FEMA for residents on the city’s website.

Johnson said more updates are expected to come in the next few days and weeks.

He was quick to remind Utahns that fireworks are never allowed on Lake Mountain.

The exact cause of the Knolls Fire is still under investigation.

Firefighters are also updating the Soldier Pass Fire to 100% containment. That fire burned 112 acres over night, just south of the Knolls Fire and near the shooting range west of Utah Lake.

Its cause is still under investigation.