RICH COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 7, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Fire officials announced a new wildfire underway Tuesday afternoon, which apparently flared to more than 1,000 acres by the evening.
Under it’s “New Start” headline, Utah Fire Info at about 6 p.m. said the outbreak, named the Dry Fork Fire, is between 20 and 30 acres in the area of Big Creek Road and Big Creek Canyon. “Resources are on order to assist County, State and BLM.”
The Rich County Sheriff’s Office at about the same time online advised that the Dry Fork Fire “is moving.
“Ranchers are being allowed to retrieve their stock and assist others to retrieve their stock at their own risk.”
By 8:36 p.m. Utah Fire Info, with no explanation of the vast difference in estimates, announced “The Dry Fork Fire is estimated at 1,140 acres and continuing to spread.
“Early containment efforts were challenged by wind conditions, but fire behavior is beginning to moderate. Red flag conditions are predicted for tomorrow.”
One state task force with four engines, a hand crew and a tender was ordered earlier, and a second task force order was placed which includes a dozer; the agency said, expected arrival tomorrow afternoon. “No structures are immediately threatened.”
Deputy Jared Johnson is working to secure a location where the animals can be loaded onto trucks and trailers, the sheriff’s office said. At 5 p.m. the sheriff’s office, which is based in Randolph, asked, “Please stay clear of the area of Randolph and Big Creek Road.”
