WASATCH COUNTY, Utah, Oct. 22, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Northern Utah Type 3 Team today took over management of the Yellow Lake Fire.
Firefighting efforts had been under the California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 during the wildfire’s period of fastest growth, and people assigned to the fire numbered more than double the current 343 crews.
Fire acreage is now at 33,041.
State Route 35, North Fork Road and Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150) are now reopened. A Forest closure remains in effect, according to U.S. Forest Service information shared by Utah Fire Info.
“Please drive cautiously and stay out of burned areas that have hot ash and fire-weakened trees,” the news release says. “We specifically ask hunters and recreationalists to stay out of the closure area.
Rain and snow that fell last week did not completely douse the Yellow Lake Fire.
“Infrared radiation, taken at night, continues to detect heat signatures in various locations, some near the edge of the fire,” the news release says.
“Firefighters continue to see fire activity, including torching trees. Crews have been working to extinguish these before they become a threat to the line as they attempt to increase containment.
“Road conditions have improved, allowing fireighter access to almost all sides of the fire, though some of the roads are still slippery and provide some safety hazards.”
Efforts to repair the scars left from suppression are ramping up.
“Suppression repair is particularly important for water quality,” the statement says, adding that water bars are being added in some places to reduce erosion.
To see a Yellow Lake Fire operational update video, click this link on Facebook.
