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UTAH

Evacuees from Dollar Ridge Fire return to homes, 30 percent contained

UPDATED: JULY 7, 2018 AT 10:44 PM
BY
Adam Mason

DUCHESNE, Utah – Some people evacuated from their homes due to the Dollar Ridge Fire are being allowed to return Saturday.

The wildfire shifted to areas with less vegetation to keep the fire spreading. With that and firefighters’ effort officials say the Dollar Ridge Fire is at 30 percent contained.

 

Earlier Saturday those evacuated out of Zone 3, which includes areas on Sam’s Wash Road and near Starvation Reservoir, were allowed to return home at 10 a.m. Saturday, according to KSL’s Alex Cabrero.

Even though those people can return home, officials say evacuations could happen again.

“These residents need to remain on high alert and be prepared to evacuate Zone 3 again if fire behavior changes,” the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office said.

Officials say more people should be able to go home Sunday morning as well.

Fire crews were able to slow the growth of the fire Friday and hope to make some good progress over the next few days. Officials say the goal is to have the Dollar Ridge Fire contained by July 20th.

This fire near Strawberry Reservoir started July 1 and officials believe it to be human caused, but are not sure exactly how it began. It has burned over 47,000 acres and is currently at five percent contained.

WEST VALLEY FIRE

Fire officials say the West Valley Fire in Washington County is 46 percent contained.

“Despite the immense growth during the first few days, fire progression slowed greatly the last few days, allowing firefighters to make significant progress,” fire officials said in a statement.

The blaze has burned over 11,000 acres. Crews say lower temperatures, decreased wind, and higher humidity have contributed to slowing the fire.