UTAH

Fire near Strawberry Reservoir burns homes, forces evacuations

Jul 3, 2018, 6:50 AM | Updated: 1:58 pm

Follow @kslpetersamore...

FRUITLAND – At least 300 homes have evacuated the 30,000-acre Dollar Ridge Fire near Strawberry Reservoir, and some are presumed lost.

Gov. Gary Herbert, R-Utah, estimates that up to 30 homes and buildings could have burned. He toured the destruction on Tuesday in one of four National Guard Blackhawk helicopters on loan to fight the fire.

“So we were able to fly above and around the fire to see the flame and see the smoke, and the wide devastation that’s taken place here,” Gov. Herbert said.

The governor also met with evacuated families in Duchesne, and thanked neighbors and volunteer groups for helping them.

He reminded reporters at the Duchesne County Fairgrounds that humans have started 92 percent of Utah’s wildfires, like Dollar Ridge, this year.

 

“With your ATVs, don’t park your hot engines over a patch of weeds,” Gov. Herbert said. “Only do a campfire in a designated campground.

“A lot of this is just common sense,” he added, and that wildfires are largely preventable.

The Governor urges residents to stay out of their neighborhoods for their own safety, until evacuation orders are lifted.

The fire burned out of control on Monday and was too dangerous even for 150 firefighters on scene.

“We haven’t been able to put crews on the line,” Jason Curry, a spokesman with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands said. “Aircraft have been ineffective, if not dangerous with the winds and the smoke.

“The aerial assessments have shown us very little because of all the smoke cover.”

Curry adds some of the 300 evacuated buildings have burned, but investigators cannot tell which ones. He was shocked the flames spread as fast and far as they did.

“Our aerial observers were seeing long-range spot fires going out as much as half a mile ahead of the fire,” Curry said.

More crews are arriving Tuesday, hoping to do real firefighting today. Steep terrain, high winds and heat won’t help them.

Meanwhile, Marcia Sweat quickly grabbed her late father’s pictures, light fishing rods, journals, and collection of flashlights from the cabin he built.

“I can’t get everything because I can’t get them in the car,” she said through tears. “My dad past away seven years ago on Saturday.”

Right until they evacuated, Sweat’s family pulled weeds and moved dirt.

“Just hope and pray for everybody that nobody gets hurt,” she said. “I know some will lose their homes and things. It’s really hard.”

People in 300 homes fled to Fruitland’s LDS Church and Duchesne High School, among other places.

No word on when they can go home, although Strawberry Reservoir and the roads surrounding it remain open.

As for today’s weather here: highs in the low 80s with just 20 percent humidity and wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Utah

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

One woman is dead in a collision involving two cars in Layton Sunday night. (Jeffery Dahdah, KSL-TV...

Matt Brooks, KSL.com

1 dead, multiple passengers taken to hospital after car crash in Layton

The crash remained under investigation, and police had not yet determined a cause as of late Sunday. One woman died in the crash.

11 months ago

A man is in the hospital after falling into the Jordan River on Sunday, May 14, 2023.(Steve Griffin...

Matt Brooks, KSL.com

Man in critical condition after being rescued from Jordan River

Police issued a reminder of the dangerous state of the streams and rivers during the spring runoff after a man was rescued from Jordan River.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Fire near Strawberry Reservoir burns homes, forces evacuations