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VERNON, Tooele County — Crews continue to battle a lightning-caused fire that has burned more than 4,200 acres 10 miles southwest of Vernon on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
The West Government Creek Fire was only 5 percent contained as of Monday, scorching grass, sagebrush and juniper, the Forest Service said. Lighting ignited the blaze last Friday.
Due to steep, rocky inaccessible terrain on the northeast ridge, firefighters are monitoring the fire and making plans in case the flames move down slope. Smoke is expected to be visible from the town of Vernon, according to the Forest Service.
Helicopters dropped water on hotspots Sunday and 250 firefighters from at least eight federal, state and local agencies are fighting the blaze. Erickson Pass Road and Little Valley Road remain closed.
