HAMLIN VALLEY, Utah, July 19, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — The Big Summit Fire in Hamlin Valley is now 8,453 acres and is 34% contained.
A tweet from Utah Fire Info Sunday morning said road closures and evacuations in the area, which is along the Utah-Nevada border, have now been lifted. Roads that are now open include Spanish George, Arrowhead and Eightmile. Property owners are able to access their property and should use caution while fire equipment is still in the area, the tweet said.
A full suppression strategy is being implemented for this fire with firefighter and public safety as the top priorities, said the Utah Fire Info website.
“Despite relative humidity in the single digits, the fire exhibited minimal growth yesterday, allowing firefighters to continue making good progress building and holding fire line,” the website said. “Dozer line was completed near the Hamlin Valley area on the northeast side of the fire, and hand crews built direct line to Rice Peak on the northwest edge of the fire.”
Air support applied water bucket drops to suppress hot spots and flare-ups. The southern flank of the fire line was secured and hot spots were mopped near the perimeter.
Firefighters will continue to build hand line and dozer line and use water drops from helicopters to suppress active fire and secure a perimeter, the website said. Aircraft support and water drops will be a priority for the northeastern tip of the fire where there is the greatest potential for spread, and near structures and the Hamlin Valley community. Rehabilitation of dozer line will begin on the southeastern flank in the coming days.
The fire began July 13 and it is estimated it will be contained by Monday. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information is made available.
