WILDFIRE
Utah Wildfire Update: June 14 PM
Jun 13, 2021, 5:37 PM | Updated: Jun 14, 2021, 6:18 pm
June 14, 2021 — This is a document that we are updating several times a day to offer the latest information we have access to regarding all of the major wildfires burning in Utah. Please scroll to the name of the fire to find new information specific to that fire.
General
Salt Lake City hit a record of 102 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday afternoon, as expected. It’s a sure sign that the fires currently burning in Utah aren’t going to have any help from the weather today. Utah Fire Info posted this map indicating fire danger risk across the state:
The Bureau of Land Management reported it will enact fire restrictions on all BLM land in Utah, effective Friday, June 18, 2021. The restrictions cover campfires, smoking, and fireworks among other activities on Utah’s BLM lands. There’s more information here.
Bear Fire
Monday, June 14, 2021: Utah Fire Info reported that the Bear Fire burned actively overnight, and that Monday priorities were to continue containment lines above Helper and north of Spring Canyon Road. If conditions are favorable, Utah Fire Info said efforts may include burning above the road.
The second priority for firefighters is to secure the fireline along Ford Ridge, Utah Fire Info reported.
Utah Fire Info provided this post on Facebook with more information:
Sunday, June 13, 2021: The Bear Fire is burning four miles northwest of Helper, Utah. By Sunday afternoon it had consumed 10,526 acres and was at 10% containment. This fire is believed to have been caused by lightning.
Firefighters are burning along Spring Canyon Road as a preventative effort to remove vegetation. According to Utah Fire Info, successfully removing that line “is a critical step in protecting the community to the south.”
Bennion Creek Fire
Monday June 14, 2021: Because of what officials call extreme fire behavior threatening the community, the mandatory evacuation already in place for Aspen Cove has been extended.
The evacuation order will be reassessed on Tuesday (June 15, 2021) evening. The public and residents are asked to remain clear of the area for public and firefighter safety.
The Bennion Creek fire has burned 7,724 acres on Bennison Ridge in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The area is described by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) as remote and rugged country northwest of Scofield Reservoir. The Bennion Creek Fire is currently at 10% containment.
Sunday, June 13, the USFS reported that an evacuation and closures remain for areas affected by the Bennion Creek Fire. This includes the Aspen Cove subdivision.
On Sunday, firefighters are expected to enhance control lines around structures in Bennion Creek Camp and in Sugar House Camp, which are on the east side of the fire. Fire mitigation efforts will also continue for potential future protection of Scofield Reservoir, as well as around the fire east of Starvation Creek.
On Monday June 14, Utah Fire Info provided this graphic outlining the latest map for the Bennion Creek Fire:
Pack Creek Fire
Monday, June 14: The Pack Creek Fire has burned 8,243 acres and is 6% contained. Utah Fire Info reports that the significant spread of the fire since last Wednesday is due to extreme drought conditions in the Manti-La Sal Mountains that haven’t been seen for 90 years.
Record head, very dry fuel, and the rugged terrain are all combining to create what Utah Fire Info refers to as historic challenges for the firefighting team.
More containment line was secured yesterday around Pack Creek, but containment remains at 6% due to growth in the fire perimeter.
The Pack Creek Fire is burning southeast of Moab, Utah, in what is described as live, but dry pinyon/juniper fuels in steep rugged canyons. This fire was human-caused by an abandoned campfire.
Sunday June 13: Some of the evacuation orders related to the Pack Creek Fire have been lifted. In a message sent to KSL from Sheriff Jason Torgerson, he said, “The evacuation order on Pack Creek Residential Area will be lifted on June 13, 2021 at 0600 hours. This applies to the homeowners in Pack Creek and is only for the private property in the Pack Creek residential area.
“The evacuation order is still in effect for all public and private lands above Pack Creek inside the forest boundary.”
As of Sunday, three structures in Pack Creek had been destroyed by the fire.
On Saturday, the Great Basin Team 4 Type 2 Incident Management Team (MIT) assumed management of the Pack Creek fire.
On Monday, June 14, Utah Fire Info posted this information about the Pack Creek Fire:
And Utah Fire Info has created this landing page for updated information related to the Pack Creek Fire.
Mammoth Creek Fire
Monday June 14, 2021: The evacuation has been lifted, reported Utah Fire Info, and the Mammoth Highway is open for residents of Mammoth Creek and Tommy Creek to return home. The Dixie National Forest has provided this webpage for residents needing more information.
Sunday June 13, 2021: Firefighters report great progress on the Mammoth Creek Fire, and that they would begin pulling firefighting equipment from the area on Sunday, June 13.
The fire was burning one mile south of Mammoth Creek Village in the Dixie National Forest, and by Sunday afternoon had burned 709 acres. The USFS reported on Sunday the Mammoth Creek Fire was at 72% containment.
Evacuation orders remain in place for Mammoth Creek Village, but the Garfield County Sheriff and fire managers are reportedly evaluating that evacuation order on Sunday. Anybody will questions can contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office at 435-676-2678.
Broad Canyon Fire
By Sunday evening, June 13, Utah Fire Info reported that firefighters had contained 100% of the Broad Canyon Fire, which has burned 97 acres west of Utah Lake near Little Moab.
Though firefighters have experienced favorable conditions, high winds are expected over the fire area on Sunday. Utah Fire Info reports the winds will test a fire line created by firefighters.
Utah Fire Info reports that a transfer of command will take place Sunday night to a local Bureau of Land Management Incident Commander.
The Broad Canyon Fire was caused by what officials call an escaped campfire.
