This video shows firefighting helicopters’ ability to scoop up water.
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LIBERTY, Utah, Aug. 31, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Crews continue to fight the Avon Wildfire, sparked Thursday near a gun range, officials say.
The acreage as of 3 p.m. Friday was reported to be at 783, and zero percent contained. A post on the Weber Fire District Facebook page said that 80 firefighters — hand crews and with apparatus — are working the scene. Three water tenders are being used, and three helicopters are engaged.
“Pineview is still closed as heavier aircraft may be needed as temperatures increase and winds pick this afternoon,” the Weber Fire District post says.
“Powder Mountain is still closed until the incident is stable enough to ensure it’s safe to reopen. We are hopeful both Pineview and Powder will be able to open later today (more to come). Fire is 0% contained and cause is still being investigated.”
Information from Utahfireinfobox.com indicates the wildfire started at about 3 p.m. Thursday.
“It quickly grew in size and Powder Mountain Ski Resort was placed in evacuation status. Scooper planes dipped from the nearby Pineview Reservoir, restricting access to the public,” the site says. “The fire is burning in thick fuel primarily grass, sage and oak. Spot fires pose a risk for spread.
“Firefighters will continue work to establish line and air resources will continue to drop water on the fire. Some objectives are to keep the fire north and west of Broadmouth Canyon, east of Avon Divide Road, and south of Public Grove. More resources are ordered and will be arriving today.”
