UTAH

Homes destroyed in fast-moving fire

Sep 5, 2017, 12:50 PM | Updated: 6:32 pm

UDOT tweeted out this image of crews closing US 89 and I-84....

UDOT tweeted out this image of crews closing US 89 and I-84.

SOUTH WEBER –Six structures, five homes and one garage, were either destroyed or heavily damaged from the Uintah Fire.  Fire officials say the blaze had blackened more than 1,200 acres by 2:30 this afternoon.

The winds caused the blaze to spread extremely quick through dry brush.  Layton City Fire Marshal Doug Bitton says they had to send over 100 firefighters to the area because the winds were too strong for airplanes to make effective fire retardant drops.   “The reason for the delay is the wind dynamics.  We did do efforts in making some retardant drops with some plane, but, the retardant line just dissipated.  It didn’t go anywhere,” Bitton says.

Bitton adds they have not determined a specific cause, yet, but, witnesses are giving them some clues.  He says, “We do have some early reports of some things that witnesses saw arching [power lines] and sparking on the hillside next to the ‘U.’  It’s called the ‘Classy U’ for Uintah City.”

The biggest potential threat is sloping wind.  Fire investigators say it’s common for winds to get stronger at night in these mountains.  So, people who haven’t been evacuated yet are being told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.  Plus, Weber County Commissioner James Ebert says people who have been displaced shouldn’t expect to return home any time soon.  Ebert says, “We anticipate that current evacuation orders for the Uintah-Highlands area to remain in effect throughout the evening, possibly through the night and into tomorrow.”

Two schools, Davis’s South Weber Elementary and Weber’s Uintah Elementary, have been evacuated as a precaution. Residents of multiple streets are also evacuated, with a nearby LDS Church and Ogden’s Dee Events Center serving as temporary shelters.

Multiple agencies are assisting with the response to the fire, but swift winds have made it difficult and occasionally dangerous to use planes or helicopters to help fight the fire.

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.

Homes destroyed in fast-moving fire