Evacuation Orders For Parleys Canyon Fire Extended In Some Areas

PARK CITY, Utah — Evacuation orders for the Parleys Canyon Fire have been extended in some areas due to a red flag weather warning, according to officials with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

The announcement was made Monday afternoon as a total of 216 personnel battle the blaze for the third day.

“The biggest concern is letting people in too soon when the fire is not contained in critical areas and having a fire flare up and threaten those homes again,” said Nick Howell, fire information officer for the Parleys Canyon Fire.

Date corrections for the evacuation order. Sorry for the confusion. pic.twitter.com/Aqpoqojac2

— Sheriff Justin (@SummitCountySO) August 16, 2021

The evacuation order extension is as follows:

• Upper Pinebrook — remain evacuated through Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.
• Summit Park & Timberline — remain evacuated through Thursday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.
• Lower Pinebrook — homes within the yellow highlighted area (see graphic below) may return home

Due to the ongoing evacuation orders, officials with the Park City School District announced they will be delaying the start of the 2021-2022 school year by a few days.

All PreK through 12th grade students will now begin the academic year together on Monday, Aug. 23, instead of Thursday, Aug. 19.

That change does not affect the last day of school, however, which has been scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2022.

Homeowners said they’re trying to remain patient, but they need to get back to their normal lives.

“Of course, we are anxious to get home. Our life is on hold while this happens. I mean, it’s an unfortunate accident, so I think we are understanding of that and we appreciate everything the firefighters are doing. I mean, thank you for your service, guys,” said evacuee Nick Coleman.

The Parleys Canyon Fire is burning off of I-80, between mile markers 137 and 138, just east of Lambs Canyon.

It broke out Saturday afternoon after fire officials said a catalytic converter in poor working order ejected hot particles along the roadside, sparking four separate fires, which eventually merged into one large fire.

In a matter of minutes, Brian Trick, public information officer with Parleys 137, said the flames overcame the mountainside, which is fueled by sage and oak brush, prompting a massive defensive response on air and on ground.

As a result of the fast-moving blaze, about 6,000 to 8,000 homes were told to evacuate.

State fire officials said better mapping Monday morning had the Parleys Canyon Fire at 539 acres, which is even less than the updated acreage of 619 that they reported on Sunday.

The #ParleysCanyonFire is now 21% contained, still 539 acres. A total of 216 personnel are assigned. Tomorrow, a #RedFlagWarning is forecast for gusty winds with the approaching cold front. Today's favorable #weather allowed #firefighters to accomplish a lot of work.

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) August 16, 2021

Crews said they saw minimal fire activity Monday due to “favorable weather,” allowing them to reach 21% containment — much of that on the East side, nearest the homes.

No structures have reportedly been lost.