WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah, June 30, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Fire crews battled a structure fire and wildfire Sunday afternoon that threatened homes in the Central area of Washington County.
An evacuation order for residents and visitors in the area was in effect Sunday afternoon but was lifted by about 7 p.m.
Residents between Center Street and Mule Deer Road, as well as those east of Mountain View Drive, were ordered to evacuate, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
“Fire crews will still be in the area working and we ask everyone please be patient with them and give them room to work,” the sheriff’s office stated on social media after the evacuation order was lifted.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Vey was used as a temporary shelter for those who evacuated, officials said.
The Central Fire was first reported at 3:55 p.m. and estimated at 15 acres, state wildfire officials said. The fire started on private land and is human-caused, according to Utah Fire Info.
“Firefighters have stopped forward progress but are experiencing high winds,” Utah Fire Info stated on social media. “Firefighters will continue to secure the perimeter of the fire.”
The St. George Fire Department, Santa Clara-Ivins Fire and Rescue, Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue and Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue all responded to extinguish the fire.
Central is a census-designated place in north-central Washington County.
Gephardt Daily will update this story as more information becomes available.
