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SALT LAKE CITY — Several lightning-caused wildfires continue to burn out of control around the state.
The Baboon Fire, in Beaver County has grown to 19,000 acres and is 0 percent contained.
The fire was started by lightning on Wednesday. It was quickly dubbed the Baboon Fire because it threatened communication facilities on top of Baboon Peak.
Thursday, the fire also threatened the Circle Four Hog Farm, which has hundreds of thousands of pigs in dozens of widely scattered barns. However, Friday morning evacuations for the farm were lifted.
Also, State Route 130 is now open. It was temporarily closed Thursday afternoon and again Thursday evening due to the fire.
Throughout the night the fire died down and is spreading more slowly than it was on Thursday. But that may change if the wind picks up again later today.
Flood Canyon Fire
Additional resources will arrive today to help fight the Flood Canyon Fire, which continues to burn in the Oquirrh Mountains east of Erda. Friday morning the BLM said the flames have consumed 345 acres. The fire was started by lightning on Wednesday.
There is no estimate on when it may be contained.
The BLM says the fire has the potential to threaten communication, television, and power lines today.
Meadow Fire
Crews hope to contain the Meadow Fire, burning 20 miles north of Grouse Creek, Utah, later today. It now covers 575 acres and is 75 percent contained. Lightning started this fire on Tuesday.
The BLM says two ranch homes, sage grouse habitat, timber and watershed are threatened.
Rhyolite Fire
A fire burning on the east side of the Pilot Mountains in western Box Elder County is 20 percent contained as of Friday morning.
The Rhyolite Fire has reached 4,357 acres. It was also caused by lightning. Crews expect to contain it by Saturday.
The community of Tacoma, Nevada is of concern but not immediately threatened by the fire.
Since June 1, wildfires have burned more than 190,000 acres in Utah.
- Fireworks have been restricted in many areas throughout Utah. A list of restrictions can be viewed here.
- Preparation can go a long way if you are forced to evacuate your home. Find out what do do before, during and after a disaster here.
- Gov. Herbert will not call a special session to ban fireworks and firearms, but rather, encouraged Utah residents to be smart.
Stay with ksl.com, KSL TV and KSL Newsradio for continued coverage of wildfires throughout fire season.
