MARYSVALE, Utah, July 7, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Silver King Fire burning about 8 miles west of Marysvale in Piute County has grown to 10,823 acres with 0% containment.
The lightning-caused fire “is exhibiting extreme fire behavior,” says a Utah Fire Info post.
“Engines, crews, aircraft, and dozers are working very hard in extreme conditions to mitigate fire spread where possible. Currently, fixed wing aircraft has been grounded because of the turbulent winds, and helicopters are still being heavily utilized. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority,” the post says.
A briefing was held Sunday with Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson to update them on the current fire situation, according to Utah Fire Info.
“Got an update on the Silver King Fire that’s raging today near Marysvale,” Cox said on social media Sunday. “The fire continues to grow and the hot weather isn’t helping. So grateful to the local volunteer fire departments from Marysvale, Junction, Sevier, and Sanpete as well as the Sevier Co. and Piute Co. Sheriffs offices, Sevier and Piute Search and Rescue, Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands, Fremont Indian State Park, Otter Creek State Park, Department of Public Safety, US Forest Service & Bureau of Land Management for their incredible efforts to get this fire under control.”
Fire managers are assessing additional plans of action while crews are engaged in structure protection as needed, the Sunday post says.
“A red flag warning remains in place through 9 p.m. [Sunday] evening, displaying record high temperatures, low humidities and winds up to 30 miles per hour out of the northwest.”
According to information from Central Utah Interagency Fire, the wildfire began on Friday, and threatens historic mining agencies in the area. The management agency is the Fishlake National Forest Beaver Ranger District.
Places closed to the public include the Beaver Creek Drainage and Bullion Drainage areas.
Gephardt Daily will have more information as the story develops.
