Monroe Canyon Fire continues to grow amid high winds, community meeting scheduled
The blaze is currently mapped at 57,118 acres with 4% containment, according to an incident update on Saturday. A Red Flag Warning has been extended until Saturday at 10 p.m.
Temperatures around the fire have reportedly been in the high 80s and low 90s. Wind speeds have been consistently around 27 mph with 35 mph gusts. Humidities across the landscape are around 5% with historically low fuel moistures at around 8%.
A community meeting has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight, Aug. 2, in the Snow College auditorium in Richfield, Utah. Gov. Cox visited crews fighting the Monroe Canyon Fire on Friday.
Yesterday, Aug. 1, was a calmer day on the fire, officials said. Crews were reportedly able to catch the flanking fire and mop up spots, holding the lines south of Monroe Canyon. Hotshots will be working to finish line construction between Manning Meadow and Marysville Peak today.
'Crews successfully held Highway 24 after Thursday's activity and kept the fire on the west side of the highway, despite high winds. Firefighters continue to work in the area, mopping up, digging out hotspots, and expanding fireline,' Saturday's update states. 'This burned area will assist firefighters by acting as a holding feature, should the fire attempt to make any more wind-driven runs toward the east. The highway has reopened to all traffic. Crews will be working along roadways in the coming days. We ask that the public drive safely when passing firefighters.'
Dozers continue to construct line over the Koosharem Road, officials said. In Bear Valley, power companies are working to replace power poles damaged by the fire so that normal power can be restored to residents.
More aircraft have reportedly arrived to assist with the wildfire.
'The fire now has seven type one helicopters, two Type 2 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter, six heavy scoopers, three air attacks, two UAS's, and two helicopters on loan from the state of Utah. This brings the total number to twenty-three aircraft on incident. Having this quantity of aircraft has created the necessity to bring in a temporary FAA tower for the Richfield Airport,' the update states.
Evacuation orders for people living in certain areas of Monroe Canyon have been lifted, according to the .
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Monroe Canyon Fire continues to grow amid high winds, community meeting scheduled
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