WASATCH COUNTY, Utah, Oct. 8, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Overnight infrared mapped the Yellow Lake Fire at 19,903 acres and 10% containment.
“As a small storm system moves into the area, the smoke inversion settled into the surrounding valleys, along with ash in some areas,” says a U.S. Forest Service statement shared by Utah Fire Info.
“This was predicted, and the increase in smoke does not mean an increase in fire activity or an increased threat.”
Winds have been variable, changing directions throughout the day, the statement says.
“This requires firefighters to pay especially close attention, as wind direction and fire behavior can be erratic. The fire was active in the Iron Mine drainage yesterday and throughout the night. With topography alignment and fire behavior, this threatened the structures south along the North Fork of the Duchesne Ridge. The firefighters were able to defend the road and all structures, thanks to the structure protection that had been completed.”
Firing operations are finished along the Mill Hollow Road, and crews are beginning to mop up and secure this edge. Fire managers expect to gain containment on this side of the fire in the next few shifts, if it continues to hold and reduce heat. The work in Soapstone is promising, as crews keep the fire mostly south of Soapstone Road. Crews have seen minimal growth along this perimeter in the last few shifts and are beginning to mop up and secure this area.
The southwest corner continues to be difficult for crews in the Heart Lake area, working buckets of water most of the day but still seeing a great deal of heat.
“Another reminder that while air attack supports ground crews, it does not suppress highly active fires.”
The southeast side utilized a retardant line to strengthen a fuel break, and secure Highway 35. Firefighters may continue to do firing operations throughout the day to reduce the available fuels along the road, as conditions allow. The southern perimeter continues to produce a significant amount of smoke as the fire burns in patches of dead timber.
Evacuation orders remain the same: The North and West Forks of the Duchesne River are under a mandatory GO evacuation. All residents, hunters and recreationists must evacuate and stay out of the area, the statement says.
The Granddaddy Lakes area on the Ashley National Forest and Hanna was issued a READY order, which prompts residents to have bags packed and be ready to leave if an evacuation order is given.
