UTAH COUNTY, Utah, Sept. 18, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Pole Creek Fire is now 25 percent contained and has burned 74,509 acres, according to a late Tuesday night update on InciWeb.
Combined with the Bald Mountain Fire, which has burned 15,635 acres, the two merged fires have consumed more than 90,000 acres as of Tuesday.
“Despite aerial and ground suppression efforts, red flag conditions and terrain continued to move into Diamond Fork Canyon, Little Diamond Fork Canyon, and Wanrhodes,” the Pole Creek update states. “The fire was also very active on the eastern flank near the Coal Hollow Fire.
“Additional resources (crews and equipment) continue to arrive, supporting suppression operations around the clock. Crews will continue aggressive suppression efforts and structure protection, particularly in Little Diamond Fork Canyon and up Wanrhodes.”
Firefighter and public safety remain the primary objective, the update says. Red flag conditions are forecast for Wednesday through most the burn period.
“A cold front is expected to reach the fire area in the early evening, bringing winds from the west-northwest and lowering temperatures.”
Evacuations are still in effect for the northern side of the fire, and evacuation planning zones have been identified. Highways 6 and 89 will remain closed indefinitely, according to the update.
The Bald Mountain Fire now has its own Facebook page.
