BRIAN HEAD, Utah, June 23, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The Brian Head Fire has grown to 33,000 acres after it first sparked to life on Saturday, officials said late Friday.
That acreage means the fire covers an area larger than the city of Provo.
Utah Fire Info posted on Facebook Friday the fire is now only 5 percent contained, down from 15 percent Thursday.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated the Clear Creek, Beaver Dam and Horse Valley areas, and is now evacuating the Mammoth Springs area.
“Remember the 5 P’s: people, prescriptions, papers, personal needs, and priceless items,” Utah Fire Info’s Facebook post says. “Evacuations are urgent but issued with enough time and space for a calm and smooth exit from the affected areas. Evacuees can contact the Red Cross for shelter information.”
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert on Tuesday revealed the fire started after someone used a weed torch during dry conditions, then lost control of the blaze. Herbert spent most of Tuesday touring the fire area and talking with local officials.
Authorities said numerous homes have been damaged but have not given an exact number.
The community of Brian Head will remain under evacuation until fire managers determine it is safe for residents and visitors to return. Highway 143 remains closed from Parowan to the junction of Highway 148 near Cedar Breaks National Monument. The Dixie National Forest has issued a road and trail closure as well to prevent the public from entering the fire area.
Click here for more resources and tools if you have been evacuated.
There will be a Community Meeting at Panguitch High School Saturday, at 2 p.m.
