4 Utah wildfires fully contained; crews battle new, existing blazes


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MORGAN COUNTY — Fire crews are working to control several blazes around Utah. They got the upper hand on four of them Wednesday, bringing them to full containment.

Indian Fire

A 50-acre fire burning in Ogden Canyon since Saturday was fully contained Wednesday night.

The Indian Fire, which started Saturday in a steep, rocky area east of 24th Street in Ogden, was reported at 100 percent containment at 7 p.m. It had burned an estimated 50 acres and is suspected to be human-caused.

About 20 homes were evacuated on July 19, but all residents have returned home.

Crews will continue to patrol the fire for several days to watch for hot spots.

Weber River between Croyden and Morgan remains closed as a result of the Tunnel Hollow fire.

Sunnyside, Lincoln and South Mountain fires

The Sunnyside Fire that erupted Tuesday was reported fully contained at 450 acres Wednesday but was not yet under control, officials said. The cause of the fire, which started just 2 miles north of East Carbon on Tuesday, is unknown. No structures were threatened as the fire moved north, away from the town.

The Lincoln Fire near Deadman Canyon and South Mountain Fire south of Grantsville were 100 percent contained Wednesday. They were last reported at 35 and 25 acres, respectively.

Plateau Fire

The Plateau Fire started on Bell Rock Ridge, east of Richfield, after a lightning storm Wednesday. The fire grew from 6 acres to nearly 50 acres in a "a few hours," according to Lyn Christiansen from the U.S. Forest Service.

Local volunteer firefighters worked to keep the fire spreading to fire-threatened cabins in the area.

Thunderstorm in the area are still a threat and offer challenges in fighting existing fires, especially with air support, said John Zapell from the U.S. Forest Service.

The public is asked to stay away from general fire areas as they head out for Pioneer Day activities and to exercise caution with fires in the dry and hot conditions in Utah.

Tunnel Hollow Fire

The fire has grown to 1,200 acres with only 10 percent containment. Fire officials said the fire was burning on steep, rocky terrain and now rocks are falling into the river.

Tubing, rafting and kayaking on the Weber River remained closed between the Croydon and Taggart exits and from Taggart to Morgan on Wednesday.

Officials are concerned the flames could reach I-84 and local residents have been warned that the road could close anytime.

There are 100 firefighters working the fire and 20 more will join them Wednesday afternoon. Eight aircraft are also fighting this fire.

Anaconda Fire

Fire crews were making progress Wednesday on the Anaconda Fire in Tooele County, which is 75 percent contained as of 5:50 p.m. according to Utah Fire Info.

The wildfire was started by lightning on Sunday. It has burned more than 1,400 acres so far.

Crews say the fire has been hard to contain because wind has pushed the fire in multiple directions. Roads around the fire remain closed Wednesday.

Fifteen homes were evacuated on Sunday but those residents returned to their homes the same evening. There have been no other evacuations.

Simpson Complex Fire (Sheep, Lion Peak, South Mountain fires)

The Sheep fire also started Sunday afternoon from a lightning strike. It is 11 miles south of Terra, Utah, and has burned over 1,850 acres on the south side of Lookout Pass. Two helicopters and 105 crew members are on hand to battle the fire.

Fire officials are asking the public to use caution and keep the area clear to allow crews to work.

The nearby Lion Peak Fire also started Sunday. It has burned 950 acres and is zero percent contained.

The South Mountain Fire fire started about 8 miles south of Granstville on Tuesday. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The BLM has temporarily closed the Simpson Springs Recreation Area to "minimize public risks to public health and safety while also providing a base camp for fire crews on the Sheep and Lion Peak (also known as Simpson Complex) fires." An estimated reopening date has not been released.

Alpine Fire

Officials confirmed a fire started in Alpine above Box Elder Drive Wednesday morning. A helicopter and two fire engines responded to the fire. Crews were able to put out the fire within a few hours.

Contributing: Shara Park, Tracie Snowder and Martha Ostergar

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