UPDATES: Range Fire and Fire Canyon fire

UPDATE: Investigators have determined the Range fire burning in Utah County was started at the Orem Police Gun Range and was caused by target shooting. Utah Fire Info reports investigations are still ongoing and that the police officer who was present when the fire started is cooperating.

 

Investigators determined that the #RangeFire originated at the Orem Police Gun Range & was caused by target shooting. The Orem Police Officer present when the fire started is cooperating with officials. The investigation is on-going; more info will be shared when it’s available.

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) October 19, 2020

 

 

This story is breaking and will be updated.

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SALT LAKE CITY — Wildfires in Utah County and Summit County continue burning on Sunday morning.

Range Fire, Utah County

The Range Fire in Provo Canyon has burned 3,000 acres and is growing, according to officials. The fire is 0% contained, according to Suzie Tenhagen with the U.S. Forest Service.

Orem officials announced Highway 189 would remain closed throughout Sunday, with Sundance now under a pre-evacuation state. 

On Saturday night people with homes at the mouth of Provo Canyon were evacuated. Tenhagen said those residents will be allowed to return today, but she did not mention an exact time.

No more evacuations are expected at this time.

Tenhagen said that, overnight, the Range Fire crept toward Nuns Park and Canyon Glen Park but did not cross Hwy. 189. Sunday morning, fire officials had structure protection in place near those parks.

There have been no injuries related to the Range Fire, at least not the type you might expect.

“We do have a little bit of ‘end of season fatigue,’ Tenhagen told KSL. “It’s been a real long summer,” she said.

Road closures

Both directions of US-189 through Provo Canyon were closed on Saturday night as a precautionary measure, and at publication time Sunday morning, those road closures remain in effect.

The Utah Department of Transportation says southbound US-189 is closed at SR-113 (milepost 25). Northbound US-189 is closed at milepost 8 (800 N in Orem).  

Motorists are advised to use I-80 as an alternate route to US-189. 

Fire Canyon Fire, Summit County

On Sunday morning, Utah fire officials reported that the Fire Canyon fire in Summit County had burned 1,460 acres.

They said that Saturday evening fire suppression efforts had been successful with a burn out operation conducted along the heel of the fire. On Sunday morning, the Fire Canyon fire was 10% contained.

The #FireCanyonFire was mapped at 1,460 acres this morning. Firefighters conducted a successful burn out operation along the heel of the fire last night and secured 10% containment.

Today crews, heavy equipment & aircraft will suppress hot spots and secure fireline. #ffslkw

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) October 18, 2020

 The Fire Canyon Fire is burning in Henefer, in Summit County.  The South Summit Fire District described this fire Saturday as being “unpredictable.” 

Firefighters from several agencies, including Park City Fire, Summit County Sheriff’s deputies, Summit County Search and Rescue, officers from the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources and the Utah National Guard were all discharged to fight this blaze.

 

Tonight the #FireCanyonFire burning in Henefer has moved down to the frontage road on the east side of the freeway. Firefighters continue to fight from the air and on the ground. The fire is known to be human-caused but the cause is still under investigation. pic.twitter.com/5wncwZwUt4

— Summit County, Utah (@SummitCountyUT) October 18, 2020

 

Utah Army National Guard sending two Black Hawk helicopters to help suppress the #FireCanyonFire in Summit County. pic.twitter.com/ZBUcPNNMZ6

— Utah National Guard (@UTNationalGuard) October 17, 2020