Firefighters making progress on containing Millville fire


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CACHE COUNTY — Mandatory evacuations are still in effect in Cache County, where the Millville Fire has burned nearly 2,900 acres. Fire officials say high heat, low humidity and dry fuel have created extreme fire conditions that could become dangerous.

Officials said that around 200 people are currently working on the fire. Many of the firefighters have set up camp at Millville Park. The firefighters said they are making progress, but a thunder cell or lighting could change that in an instant, and until they get the fire under control, evacuations will remain in effect.

Along Blacksmith's Fork Road, crews spent the day clearing brush and chipping the branches. Firefighters said It's a preventative measure, put in place if they need to start a backfire.

"When we do light it out, it doesn't generate sparks across the line," Firefighter Randy Garcia said.

The fire continues to burn west of the firefighter line in steep, rocky terrain that's been a challenge for crews working in hot and dry conditions.

"The terrain is pretty steep and the footing is really slippery," Garcia said.

The Millville Fire has been burning for more than a week and the fear is that with 40 percent containment, erratic winds and lightning could keep it raging.

A helicopter, dropping water and retardant, focused on the east side where the fire is still active.

Larry Lucas, a U.S. Forest Service employee, said he has been working on the MiIlville Fire since it started.

"Luckily, we've had three days, four days now of really good conditions and we've gotten the upper hand on it," Lucas said.

Crews are making progress battling other major fires in the state as well.

The State Fire, near Portage, has been 85 percent contained as of Monday afternoon. Crews are working to stamp out hot spots and begin rehab efforts.

In Tooele County, crews have also built a fire line along the west edge of the Patch Springs Fire which has burned 31,000 acres and is now almost 50 percent contained.

The Red Cross is helping evacuated Terra and Willow Springs residents. The Clover Springs Campground is still closed.

In Millville, evacuations remain in effect for Blacksmiths Fork and Left Hand Fork Canyons, but fire officials said they hope to have full containment within the next two days.

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