WASATCH COUNTY, Utah, Oct. 4, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Yellow Lake Fire has increased to a mapped 3,223 acres, and is now 18% contained, according to information shared by U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Utah Fire Info.
“Most of the containment has been accomplished on the southern perimeter,” the news release says. “Where safe to do so, crews are working further into the burned area to extinguish any hot spots.
“The southwest corner has many snags and hazardous trees. Areas where conditions are too dangerous to put crews in, fire managers are discussing future firing operations aligned with favorable weather. This will minimize the risk to firefighters.”
The containment percentage stood at 0% for multiple days. The number was briefly at 22% higher before the acreage increased.
The YMCA camp and ranger station remain safe, with structure protection complete and sprinklers and hose-lay in place for added defense, the statement says.
“The previous logging and vegetation thinning done in this area made the structures much more defensible.” A red flag warning is in effect, and the area continues to see unseasonably high warm and dry conditions.
“The fire had been slowly backing down Highway 35. Yesterday’s firing operations were highly successful to reduce the unburned fuel between the road and the fire perimeter. This decreases the potential for spotting and reduces the time a Highway closure is needed. Firing operations did increase smoke, which was expected based on the fuel conditions in the area.
“The northwest side also completed firing operations from the dozer line towards the fire edge, while winds were favorable. Highway 35 remains closed for at least 24-48 more hours, until fire activity decreases and the road can be cleared of debris.”
A forest closure officially went into effect yesterday for both the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests. While crews are hoping to confine the fire within the current built indirect line, the forest closure is intended for potential fire activity if it crosses the current indirect line, the statement says.
“With the heavy timber, high winds, and dry conditions, there is potential for the fire to spot large distances like has already occurred on this fire. Forest managers want to make sure they take a conservative approach with the predicted weather, red flag warning, and unseasonably dangerous conditions to assure public and firefighter safety.
“The fire has been determined to be human caused, but it is still under investigation. More information will be released once the final investigation report is completed. There are no reportable accidents or injuries, and still no structures or recreational vehicles lost.”
The Yellow Lake Fire is located east of Mill Hollow Reservoir on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, with 423 personnel assigned to the incident.
The video below was posted Wednesday, when the fire was slightly smaller and containment was briefly higher.
