Utah wildfires continue adding acreage; containment up for Halfway Hill Fire

FILLMORE, Utah, July 10, 2022 (Gephardt Daily) — Continued hot temperatures and dry air on Sunday have hampered efforts to contain Utah wildfires.

The Halfway Hill Fire burning south of Fillmore now stands at 7,958 acres, up from 6,600 on Saturday.

“The Virginia Hills subdivision is still under evacuation. Fire managers are working with the Millard County Sheriff to allow residents to return ASAP,” a Utah Fire Info statement says.

Four people have been charged on suspicion of abandoning a campfire, which sparked the Halfway Hill Fire.

The Jacob City Fire burning in Soldier Canyon east of Stockton in Tooele County was estimated at 3,776 acres and reached 14% containment Sunday, state fire officials said.

“Fire managers utilized retardant to slow the progression, allowing crews to begin more direct attack along the fire’s edge,” according to a tweet from Utah Fire Info. “Some growth occurred on the southwest corner in the afternoon, putting up a column of smoke.”

Smoke and ash continue to be visible in Salt Lake, Utah and Tooele counties. Ophir and Stockton residents east of Copper Street are asked to stay on alert, according to Utah Fire Info.

The Dry Creek Fire burning in Oak Creek Canyon east of Oak City in Millard County stands at 1,827 acres, up from Saturday’s estimate of 1,200 acres, but containment is also up to 40%.

The Sardine Fire burning in the mouth of Sardine Canyon saw “limited growth” Sunday and now is 80% contained, state wildfire officials said.

See new fire photos and a statewide roundup below.

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Utah wildfire roundup

Source: Utah Fire Info/Gephardt Daily