Wildfire updates: Structures threatened, evacuations ordered in San Juan County as Pack Creek Fire spreads

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - June 9, 2021 at 10:37 p.m. | Posted - June 9, 2021 at 10:42 a.m.

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SALT LAKE CITY — Here are the latest updates on wildfires burning across the state of Utah.

This story will be updated throughout the day with the most current information on all the fires in the state.

If you're on a mobile device and can't see the updates below, click on this link.

Wednesday, 10:30 pm

Pack Creek Fire in San Juan threatens homes, evacuations ordered

Fire officials said at about 9:50 p.m. that the Pack Creek Fire had been driven down the canyon due to winds shifting. The shift has threatened multiple homes and structures, officials said. Ground crews have had to disengage due to the extreme fire behavior.All homes threatened by the Pack Creek Fire have been evacuated and a temporary shelter has been set up at the La Sal Community Center for those people who have been displaced. Those who need to use the shelter are asked to contact the San Juan County Sheriff's Office at 435-587-2237. Officials advise the public to avoid roads into or near the area of the fire.— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

Wednesday, 08:56 pm

Stage 1 fire restrictions placed in effect for all state lands and private lands outside city limits

Utah state officials announced stage 1 fire restrictions set to go into effect after 11:59 p.m. Wednesday for all private and state land outside city or town limits.The restriction includes the following:

No open fires except in established facilities

Smoking unless in an enclosed vehicle or building

Cutting, welding, or grinding in areas with dry vegetation

Operating a motorcycle, ATV, chainsaw or any other object with a small internal combustible engine without an approved and working spark arrestor

— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

STATEWIDE Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect Starting June 10th for all State Lands and Private Lands Outside City/Town Limits. https://t.co/WJ4l6jV5BN pic.twitter.com/adiBhSNpL7

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 10, 2021

Wednesday, 08:37 pm

Bennion Creek Fire near Price is 25% contained

The Bennion Creek Fire has burned 1,471 acres and is 25% contained as it continues to burn near Skyline and Starvation roads on the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah County.Officials said that progress was made Wednesday. Crews are expected to continue to secure the line Thursday, officials said.Resources are continuing to be loaned to the Bear Fire near Price. Officials ask that the public stays off of Starvation Road, Bennion Ridge Road, and Forest Road 0008 (Bear Ridge Road).— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

Wednesday, 08:19 pm

Fire in San Juan County estimated at 120 acres

Officials reported that resources responded to a fire in San Juan County south of Moab named Pack Creek Fire. The fire was estimated at 5 acres at about 5:15 p.m. but had grown to 120 acres by 8:10 p.m.The fire is spreading away from structures, according to officials. No evacuations have currently been ordered. The cause is under investigation.— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

The #PackCreekFire is now estimated at 120 acres. No evacuations have been ordered, the fire is currently moving away from structures. Photo taken from Moab. #ffslkw pic.twitter.com/D4AUgLwddf

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 10, 2021

Wednesday, 07:41 pm

Bear Fire reaches U.S. 6, highway closed in both directions

The Bear Fire in Carbon County has reached U.S. Highway 6 near Bear Canyon, closing the highway in both directions.Fire officials said the fire is estimated at 5,300 acres with no containment. An investigation revealed that the fire was started by lightning.According to a release by fire officials, three hotshot crews, 10 fire engine crews and a helicopter have been assigned to the fire. Additional resources are being shared with the nearby Bennion Creek Fire.A Type 2 incident management team has been ordered and is expected to take command of the fire on Saturday, according to officials.Officials said that with the forecast bringing a dry cold front with wind gusts up to 50 mph, it could ground air resources and increase the fire activity.— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

A closer shot of the Bear Fire in Utah, courtesy of @CIRA_CSU: pic.twitter.com/aZpOqSi3I1

— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) June 9, 2021

Wednesday, 05:48 pm

Dominion Energy issues statement about East Canyon Fire investigation in Morgan County

Utah fire officials said the investigation into the East Canyon Fire in Morgan County revealed that a piece of heavy equipment striking a rock with its track sparked the flame.Dominion Energy issued a statement Wednesday regarding the investigation, saying one of its contractors was using heavy equipment on that day and reported the fire.The statement read:"We are fully supporting the emergency response efforts and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the East Canyon fire. Based on our current understanding, on June 8 a contractor working for Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline (DEQP) was mobilizing heavy equipment to support pipeline maintenance near East Canyon Reservoir. The contractor reported observation of the fire to DEQP and fire officials. DEQP staff have been on-site working with Morgan County and Utah's Department of Natural Resources to assist in protecting the safety of both people and property."— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

Wednesday, 05:22 pm

New fire in San Juan County threatens one structure

Utah fire officials notified the public Wednesday night that a new fire had started in San Juan County south of Moab.The fire, named the "Pack Creek Fire," is estimated at 5 acres and burning. A Forest Service campground and one structure are threatened, said officials. The cause is under investigation.

New Start: Resources are responding to the #PackCreekFire estimated at 5 acres and burning in San Juan County on the Manti-La Sal NF south of Moab. A Forest Service campground and one structure are threatened. The cause is under investigation. #ffslkw pic.twitter.com/cpKWJ1jIpN

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 9, 2021— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

Wednesday, 04:48 pm

East Canyon Fire is 45% contained

Utah fire officials reported at about 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday that the East Canyon Fire was 45% contained.A red flag warning will remain in effect for the area until 10 p.m., officials said.— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

Wednesday, 03:23 pm

1700 S. 900 West fire under control

Salt Lake Fire Captain Tony Burton said that the fire located at 1700 South and 900 West in Salt Lake City is now under control.The fire initially was reported as a grass fire but Burton said a dumpster may have had things exploding inside of it, catching the contents on fire.— Ashley Fredde, KSL.com

Wednesday, 03:05 pm

Evacuations lifted for East Canyon Fire in Morgan County

Evacuations have been lifted for the East Canyon Fire in Morgan County, authorities said Wednesday.The fire started Tuesday afternoon and has burned 835 acres, authorities said. About 10 homes along state Route 66 in the area were evacuated Tuesday afternoon, but those evacuations have now been lifted.S.R. 66 is now open in the area, officials said.Air crews will still be fighting the fire, so people are asked to continue avoiding the area.

Update on the #EastCanyonFire: SR-66 is now open & evacuations have been lifted. Air resources will still be actively working in the area. Please avoid the fire area for firefighter & public safety. #kmyffsl pic.twitter.com/PDlkVSzQaW
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 9, 2021

— Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Wednesday, 02:23 pm

Bear Fire in Carbon County now estimated at 3,500 acres

The Bear Fire, burning about 4 miles north of Helper in Carbon County, has now grown to 3,500 acres, according to fire officials.A reconnaissance flight of the fire area helped fire managers identify areas of the terrain where crews might be able to establish containment lines, according to state and federal fire officials."After our flight we are seeing some good options, some opportunities to get in there and slow the fire's progress," incident commander Jason Porter said in a statement.As of 12 p.m. Wednesday, winds were starting to pick up and temperatures were rising, so rapid fire growth could be seen throughout the rest of the day, officials said.Crews from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands and the Helper Fire Department are fighting the fire, officials said.

UPDATE: #BearFire in Carbon Co. now estimated at 3,500 acres after morning recon flight. Flight helped identify areas in rugged terrain where crews might be able to slow fire's progress. Winds starting to pick up. #blmgl

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 9, 2021— Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Wednesday, 10:42 am

East Canyon Fire in Morgan County now 835 acres, 0% contained; evacuations still in place

The East Canyon Fire, which sparked Tuesday afternoon near East Canyon State Park in Morgan County, is now 835 acres and 0% contained.Fire activity was calm overnight, state and federal fire officials reported Wednesday morning through Utah Fire Info.Morgan County officials said earlier Wednesday that evacuations have been lifted in the area, but state officials clarified that evacuation orders are still in place for homes south of state Route 66.

#EastCanyonFire: Fire did not experience any significant weather through the night & fire activity was calm. 835 acres, 0% cont. Engine operations are still taking place along SR-66 & remains closed. Evacuations are still in effect. East Canyon State Park remains open. #kmyffsl
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 9, 2021

— Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Wednesday, 10:40 am

Campfires, target shooting banned at Utah wildlife management areas

Campfires and target shooting with firearms have been banned at Utah wildlife management areas as state authorities continue to seek ways to limit wildfires amid the worst drought the state has seen in decades.Campfires and recreational target shooting with firearms have been banned at all 146 wildlife management areas in Utah, effective Wednesday and until fire conditions improve, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.Target shooting will still be allowed for the established shooting range areas at Big Hollow, Fillmore and Hobble Creek wildlife management areas, according to DWR.

Due to extreme drought & wildfire danger, we're temporarily banning campfires and recreational target shooting with a firearm on wildlife management areas (WMAs) across the state.

These proactive, preventative measures will help protect wildlife habitat.https://t.co/ZB7Ax61aW3 pic.twitter.com/AsTUuqt1Sj
— UtahDWR (@UtahDWR) June 9, 2021

— Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Wednesday, 10:38 am

Mammoth Fire in Garfield County now 14% contained

The Mammoth Fire, burning south of Panguitch Lake in western Garfield County, is 14% contained, officials said Wednesday.The fire is now reported at 709 acres. Crews on Wednesday will continue to establish containment lines around the fire to protect the nearby Mammoth Creek Village, state and federal fire officials reported.

#mammothfire Update 6/9 - Fire crews, engines, and dozers continued direct suppression tactics, securing fire line and mopping up along the fire perimeter to safeguard Mammoth Creek Village. The fire is now 14% contained. More info at https://t.co/KPufeeyqk4 pic.twitter.com/lVWfrYirZT
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 9, 2021

— Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Wildfire updates: Structures threatened, evacuations ordered in San Juan County as Pack Creek Fire spreads

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - June 9, 2021 at 10:37 p.m. | Posted - June 9, 2021 at 10:42 a.m.

The Bear Fire is seen burning about 4 miles northwest of Helper in Carbon County on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. (Jason Porter, BLM, via Utah Fire Info)

Pack Creek Fire in San Juan threatens homes, evacuations ordered

Stage 1 fire restrictions placed in effect for all state lands and private lands outside city limits

Bennion Creek Fire near Price is 25% contained

Fire in San Juan County estimated at 120 acres

Bear Fire reaches U.S. 6, highway closed in both directions

Dominion Energy issues statement about East Canyon Fire investigation in Morgan County

New fire in San Juan County threatens one structure

East Canyon Fire is 45% contained

1700 S. 900 West fire under control

Evacuations lifted for East Canyon Fire in Morgan County

Bear Fire in Carbon County now estimated at 3,500 acres

East Canyon Fire in Morgan County now 835 acres, 0% contained; evacuations still in place

Campfires, target shooting banned at Utah wildlife management areas

Mammoth Fire in Garfield County now 14% contained

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Wildfire updates: Structures threatened, evacuations ordered in San Juan County as Pack Creek Fire spreads

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - June 9, 2021 at 10:37 p.m. | Posted - June 9, 2021 at 10:42 a.m.

The Bear Fire is seen burning about 4 miles northwest of Helper in Carbon County on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. (Jason Porter, BLM, via Utah Fire Info)

Pack Creek Fire in San Juan threatens homes, evacuations ordered

Stage 1 fire restrictions placed in effect for all state lands and private lands outside city limits

Bennion Creek Fire near Price is 25% contained

Fire in San Juan County estimated at 120 acres

Bear Fire reaches U.S. 6, highway closed in both directions

Dominion Energy issues statement about East Canyon Fire investigation in Morgan County

New fire in San Juan County threatens one structure

East Canyon Fire is 45% contained

1700 S. 900 West fire under control

Evacuations lifted for East Canyon Fire in Morgan County

Bear Fire in Carbon County now estimated at 3,500 acres

East Canyon Fire in Morgan County now 835 acres, 0% contained; evacuations still in place

Campfires, target shooting banned at Utah wildlife management areas

Mammoth Fire in Garfield County now 14% contained

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