DRAPER, Utah, Aug., 3, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Evacuations have been lifted in the Corner Canyon area near Draper after a fast-moving wildfire forced residents to leave more than 30 homes overnight.
Unified Fire Authority tweeted at 5 p.m. Wednesday the fire that was first called in to emergency operators just after 1:30 a.m. with residents reporting a wall of flame moving toward their homes is now 80 percent contained.
Crews from the Unified Fire Authority and other valley agencies responded to the scene, and were able to turn back the fire before any houses were damaged, although a number of fences and small out building went up in flames.
By mid-morning, more than 100 firefighters were still battling the stubborn blaze, trying to get it fully contained, and mopping up hot spots before winds pick up.
As of noon Wednesday the fire was only 5 percent contained. UFA tweeted at 1 p.m. that all evacuations were lifted but the department requested that people refrain from using Corner Canyon Trailhead, Orson Smith Trail and the Hidden Valley Trail near Sandy.
“We’re going to throw everything at we have it,” Unified Fire Battalion Chief David Ulibarri told Gephardt Daily.
“We are calling in extra resources to stay ahead of the game. The wind is only going to get stronger as the day goes on, and we want to get this wrapped up today. The only problem is wildfires don’t always cooperate.”
The fire was first reported in an area above Highland Drive between Ellerback Lane and Pioneer Drive.
A total of 39 people were forced from their homes.
There were no reports of injuries.
Investigators are looking into all possible causes of the Corner Canyon fire. Anyone with information should call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 801-733-2668.
