WILDFIRE
Utah Wildfires: Three fires burning in Tooele Co. largest at 2,900 acres
Jun 15, 2020, 9:47 AM
Fire officials say there are three wildfires burning in Tooele County. The largest one, the Big Springs Fire, is estimated to have burned almost 3,000 acres. (PHOTO: KSL TV).
(PHOTO: KSL TV)
TOOELE COUNTY, Utah — What could be a very busy fire season continues with multiple wildfires reported this weekend across the state of Utah. Fire officials say there are three wildfires burning in Tooele County alone.
Three wildfires, one county
The largest one, the Big Springs Fire, is estimated to have burned almost 3,000 acres.
A look at a flare up on #BigSpringsFire this morning in #TooeleCounty #KSLTV pic.twitter.com/XtTIZEmmFm
— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) June 15, 2020
The wildfire is reportedly human-caused and as of Sunday night, it was about 20-percent contained. Due to its size, State Route 196 had to be closed in both directions a few miles south of Interstate 80.
Final update for today on the #BigSpringsFire : 2,912 acres and 20% contained. https://t.co/PhauEJkdtf pic.twitter.com/9guxQFKIwc
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 15, 2020
There also has been reports of smoke extending all the way north across Stansbury Island and the Great Salt Lake.
The other two fires are considerably smaller.
The three fires in Tooele County today: Big Springs 2,912 acres – North Delle 500 acres – mm48 Fire about one acre. Details at https://t.co/GziG3YctNV
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 15, 2020
The North Delle Fire has burned an estimated 500 acres and is 80 percent contained as of Sunday night. While a third fire was reported near milepost 47 along I-80, only estimated at around one acre.
Red flag warning… again
A red flag warning went into place Friday and extended to Saturday night. Another red flag warning goes into effect Monday at noon and lasts until 9 PM.
Another day where fires can spread quickly in these conditions… hot, dry, breezy in the afternoon. pic.twitter.com/qU7Mc7KYvw
— Grant Weyman (@KSLweyman) June 15, 2020
Fire officials stress that most fires are human-caused and easily preventable. With that in mind, there are a few things you can do to help to reduce the chances of fire ignitions.
First, keep vehicles off dry grass or brush. Also, be careful with lawnmowers and power equipment as sparks could start wildfires. While those camping need to exercise extreme caution, which means making sure campfires are completely out.
