Evacuations ordered due to Left Fork Fire in southern Utah

KANE COUNTY, Utah — The Bryce Woodlands Estates have been ordered to evacuate due to the Left Fork Fire burning in Kane County.

“Due to increased wind and fire behavior, the fire has crossed the fire lines on the southwest corner. Fire managers make this recommendation as a precaution for both firefighter and public safety if the fire continues to progress in that direction,” stated a Facebook post from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.

The Incident Management Team managing the blaze made the announcement Tuesday, after local fire officials said it had grown to 3,009 acres.

#LeftForkFire mapped at 3,009 acres and 5% contained. Yesterday’s favorable conditions and decreased wind provided fire managers an opportunity to assess and map the fire more accurately. Minimal growth was observed throughout the operational period. More crews are on scene today pic.twitter.com/BtxbVUCRcN

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 21, 2022

Alan Alldredge, administrative lieutenant with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, told KSL it was around noon that the initial evacuations request was made to their agency.

“There’s some really tight canyons and nasty areas up in here. If we waited until we had fire impinging upon us, we wouldn’t have been able to get to all of the properties.”

He said about 20 people, as well as “quite a few construction workers,” were evacuated Tuesday, adding that the subdivision has about 300 properties — approximately 100 of which are wood cabins or structures.

“This is kind of our newest, biggest fire we’ve had in quite a while,” Alldredge said.

‘Left Fork Fire’ grows over 3,000 acres holiday weekend

The public has been advised to avoid the area while residents evacuate.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Left Fork Fire, which was discovered on May 9, is 5% contained.