TOOELE COUNTY, Utah, July 29, 2018 (Gephardt Dailiy) — The Middle Canyon Fire is 35 percent contained, Utah Fire Info posted on Facebook a little before 8 p.m. Sunday.
According to the Facebook post, it has been determined that the fire is human-caused. The investigation is still underway.
On Friday night, officials reported the fire had consumed about 200 acres and was 5 percent contained.
Additional ground resources arrived Saturday, Utah Fire Info reported in an update Sunday morning.
“They did a great job maintaining and stopping fire progression. A backburn was completed yesterday evening to help stop the fire from growing. This operation was successful. Fire activity was minimal throughout the night,” the Sunday morning update said.
Middle Canyon and Butterfield roads are still closed Sunday night.
One helicopter, two Black Hawk helicopters, a dozer and six engines, along with two hotshot crews are on scene Sunday. A total of 130 ground crews have been working the fire.
Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, USDA Forest Service and North Tooele Fire District and Bureau of Land Management are cooperating in the effort.
Crews worked Sunday to “secure the fireline with the goal of keeping the fire from growing in size. Two Black Hawk helicopters and a heavy helicopter will be dropping water today. This assists in containing the fire in inaccessible areas. Air and ground crews work in coordination to ensure there aren’t any additional flare ups or fire spread,” the Sunday update said.
Everyone is cautioned to stay away from closed area and firefighter access points, and to stay clear of the flight path of helicopters retrieving water.
Fire restrictions are in place and may be viewed here.
For information about the fire, click here.
