Crews battle growing wildfire in Middle Canyon

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TOOELE — Crews worked Friday to contain a fast-moving wildfire that has burned 200 acres in Middle Canyon, east of Tooele.

Fire crews are also working to contain the Cove Creek Fire, in Sevier County, which officials said had grown to 975 acres Friday afternoon.

Stay with KSL for continuing coverage.

Friday, 09:03pm

Middle Canyon Fire (near Tooele) update

Officials closed Butterfield Canyon Friday evening as crews continued battling a wildfire burning in grass, oak brush, juniper and timber near Tooele. Middle Canyon Road and Butterfield Canyon Road are also closed until further notice, state fire officials report. Settlement Canyon, approximately 3 miles from Middle Canyon, will remain open unless the fire heads east, officials said. Crews dropped water and fire retardant on the Middle Canyon Fire Friday to slow its progression. Beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday, an interagency type 3 management team will take over firefighting efforts, officials said. The public is urged to avoid the area.

Friday, 04:43pm

Middle Canyon Fire (near Tooele) grows to 200 acres

The Middle Canyon Fire has now burned 200 acres, officials report. The blaze was 5 percent contained Friday evening.

Friday, 01:11pm

Cove Creek Fire update (in Sevier County)

The Cove Creek Fire has burned 975 acres and is only 5 percent contained, according to fire officials. There are 250 crew members, 13 engines and 6 helicopters working on a "full suppression strategy" including using an indirect fire line. The fire is located 7 miles east of the I-70/I-15 interchange in Sevier County. Drivers are asked not to stop on the roads. Editor's note: This article earlier stated 53 crew members were working on the fire. Fire officials later put the number at 250.

Friday, 01:10pm

Crews battle wildfire in Middle Canyon near Tooele

The fire was originally reported to have burned 150 acres, but fire officials said it's only burned 88 acres and is 0 percent contained. Middle Canyon remains closed, fire officials said. Crews responded to the Middle Canyon fire about 9 p.m. Thursday and upon arrival found it had burned 2-3 acres, according to a Facebook post from North Tooele Fire District. The fire is burning in rocky, steep terrain but began moving southwest, away from the populated area, in the 8 a.m. hour, according to Tooele County Emergency Management's Bucky Whitehouse. The fire originally moved northwest toward homes. Although no homes were threatened, a precautionary evacuation order was issued for Grimm and Cassity roads, which affected about 10 houses, Whitehouse said. Residents have since been allowed to return home, TCEM said in a Facebook post. Several campers were also asked to leave the canyon. Fires in the area are not unusual, but firefighters found the flames moving more quickly than expected, according to North Tooele Fire District's Ryan Willden. "Some impact from the winds tonight, shifting winds," Willden said. "Some pretty significant torching, which is common with the larger pine trees. So that's caused the fire to spread a little more quickly than others." Crews have no containment on the fire. Air support was expected to arrive between 9 - 10 a.m. Fire officials asked residents to avoid the area especially when aircraft is flying overhead. No donations are currently needed, according to TCEM. "We appreciate the kind gestures of giving but no supplies are needed. The best thing people can do at this time to help is to stay out of the area and let those working on the fire continue to do so uninterrupted," the agency's Facebook post said. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Air quality in the area is poor, and residents with heart or respiratory problems are encouraged to stay indoors. The "Country Fan Fest" festival underway in the Tooele area is not affected, according to TCEM. Two additional fires were reported in Tooele City, but were both extinguished about 3:20 a.m., officials said. Contributing: Caitlin Burchill, KSL TV

Crews battle growing wildfire in Middle Canyon

By KSL.com Staff | Posted - July 27, 2018 at 9:03 p.m.

Show 2 more videos

Middle Canyon Fire (near Tooele) update

Middle Canyon Fire (near Tooele) grows to 200 acres

Cove Creek Fire update (in Sevier County)

Crews battle wildfire in Middle Canyon near Tooele

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Crews battle growing wildfire in Middle Canyon

By KSL.com Staff | Posted - July 27, 2018 at 9:03 p.m.

+ Show 2 more videos

Middle Canyon Fire (near Tooele) update

Middle Canyon Fire (near Tooele) grows to 200 acres

Cove Creek Fire update (in Sevier County)

Crews battle wildfire in Middle Canyon near Tooele

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