WASATCH/DUCHESNE COUNTIES, Utah, July 10, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Dollar Ridge Fire is 50 percent contained, up from 45 percent earlier in the day, officials said Tuesday night.
To date, the fire has consumed 52,256 acres and continues to be active along the southern portion along the Timber Canyon Road and south of the Aspen Grove campground south of Strawberry Reservoir, according to Utah Fire Info.
During the day Tuesday there was some isolated torching in the heavy timber and creeping and smoldering. The southern end of the fire has received very little precipitation and has the potential for active fire behavior.
Firefighters will continue to improve and enhance existing firelines while constructing new fireline as needed.
Forecasted fire weather is calling for an increase in temperatures and a decrease in humidity towards to later part of the week which may have an impact on fire activity.
A total of 893 people are assigned to the fire. There are nine helicopters, 45 engines and 22 crews working to contain the blaze. The expected date for total containment is Friday, July 20.
Utah Fire Info on Facebook earlier Tuesday said cloudy conditions and light rain over portions of the fire area have helped to moderate fire activity.
“Crews patrolled and mopped up along completed containment lines Monday to create a larger buffer zone between burned and unburned vegetation,” the update said. “They also burned out along sections of containment lines on the western flank to reduce excess amounts of vegetation, which if allowed to remain, could ignite and threaten the line.”
On Tuesday, firefighters continued to patrol and mop up hots spots along completed containment lines, burning out in areas along the line where it is safe to do so, and also establishing new containment lines.
“Forecasted weather, which again calls for cloudy and possible rainy conditions, should assist firefighters in their continuing control efforts,” the update said. “Air resources will be used as needed and as weather conditions allow.”
U.S. 40 and State Route 208 are open, but officials are warning everyone that stopping anywhere in the area of the Dollar Ridge Fire is strictly prohibited, as all pullouts along the roads must be clear for fire equipment.
Speed limits have been reduced to 35 miles an hour through the fire area and are being strictly enforced by Utah Highway Patrol. This is because of limited visibility due to smoke in the area and for the safety of firefighters and the public.
The Dollar Ridge Fire started 4.5 miles southeast of Strawberry Reservoir at about 1 p.m. July 1.
The cause is believed to be due to human activity and is under investigation.
Gephardt Daily will update this story as more information becomes available.
For the latest updates on the Dollar Ridge Fire and other Utah wildfires click here.
