Wildfire updates: I-70 reopens in Millard County after fire forces closure

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COVE FORT, Millard County — Both directions of I-70 reopened Saturday evening after a wildfire caused officials to close the freeway for several hours in Millard County. Crews were also fighting a fire started by lightning in Weber County, officials said.

This story will be updated with fire updates throughout the day.

Saturday, 09:51pm

Refuge Fire (near the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management area) containment status

The Refuge Fire was 35 percent contained Saturday evening, fire officials report.

Firefighters mopping up on the #refugefire pic.twitter.com/JKsnU40Ixq
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 29, 2018

Saturday, 09:45pm

Both directions of I-70 reopen

Both directions of I-70 were reopened Saturday evening after the Cove Creek Fire caused officials to shut down approximately 23 miles of the freeway for several hours.

The I-70 is now open in both directions. Fire and smoke activity is minimal. Please be cautious of firefighters still working in the area. #CoveCreekFire
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 29, 2018

Motorists are still urged not to slow down or stop on the road near the wildfire.

Saturday, 07:53pm

Crews put out lightning-caused fire near Eureka

A lightning-caused fire that ignited along state Route 6 near Eureka Saturday evening is out, according to Utah County Fire Capt. Garrett Nielsen. Crews were able to box in the fire and used retardant to put it out, Nielsen said. Officials did not provide a size estimate for the fire.

Saturday, 07:50pm

Officials continue to battle wildfire in Tooele with more resources

Utah's firefighters are getting a better handle on the multiple wildfires burning across the state Saturday, but the work is not over. The Middle Canyon Fire, burning in Tooele County, has burned an estimated 170 acres as of Saturday afternoon, officials said. Estimates have fluctuated since the fire started Thursday night. On Friday, firefighters struggled to contain the blaze. The difficult terrain and lack of resources challenged the firefighters going into the night. However, the firefighters dramatically increased their resources, officials said. On the scene of the fire Saturday were two hotshot crews, seven fire engines and two helicopters. The cause is still not known. The fire was 5 percent contained Saturday. Middle Canyon Road and Butterfield Canyon were closed to the public due to the fire. — Alec Williams, KSL

Saturday, 05:02pm

Westbound I-70 reopens; Eastbound remains closed

Officials reopened westbound I-70 after the Cove Creek Fire caused closures earlier Saturday, according Utah Highway Patrol officials. Eastbound lanes remain closed for a controlled burn from milepost 0 to milepost 23. Motorists are urged to use an alternate route.

I-70 westbound lanes are now open. Eastbound lanes will remain closed due to wildfire activity. #CoveCreekFire pic.twitter.com/gkUZUSS9sO
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 28, 2018

Saturday, 02:56pm

New wildfire sparks near Ogden Bay in Weber County

A new lightning-caused fire was burning Saturday afternoon northwest of Hooper in Weber County, officials report. The Refuge Fire is burning near the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management area and is about 150 acres, or about .23 square miles, according to Utah wildfire officials. Fire crews were on scene as of 2:45 p.m. to fight the blaze. The fire started about 11 p.m. Friday night and is not threatening structures, Utah Department of Fire, Forestry and State Lands Spokeswoman Leann Fox said. The fire is surrounded by water and doesn't really have anywhere to go, she said.

The #refugefire is located on the Ogden Bay, northwest of Hooper. Resources are on scene. Estimated 150 acres. pic.twitter.com/ienJ79qvok
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 28, 2018

Ash is falling and landing in surrounding areas and smoke is visible from Brigham City to Farmington, officials said.

Saturday, 02:52pm

I-70 closed in Sevier County until Saturday evening due to wildfire

I-70 is closed from milepost 0 to milepost 23 in central Utah due to the Cove Creek Fire. The closure is in effect from the I-70 junction with I-15 east through the Tushar Mountains to the town of Sevier. Utah Department of Transportation officials say the freeway will not be reopened until about 7:30 p.m., according to the agency's website. The Cove Creek Fire is burning south of I-70 near the border of Millard and Sevier counties. It was about 1,138 acres, or about 1.8 square miles, and was 15 percent contained as of Saturday morning.

This maps shows the area from Cove Fort on I-15 to Highway 89 along the I-70 corridor that is currently closed due to wildfire activity. #CoveCreekFire pic.twitter.com/mzAwWD2gRB
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 28, 2018

The fire started from a lightning strike on July 17. About 53 people are currently assigned to fight the fire.

Wildfire updates: I-70 reopens in Millard County after fire forces closure

Posted - July 28, 2018 at 10:14 p.m.

Show 2 more videos

Refuge Fire (near the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management area) containment status

Both directions of I-70 reopen

Crews put out lightning-caused fire near Eureka

Officials continue to battle wildfire in Tooele with more resources

Westbound I-70 reopens; Eastbound remains closed

New wildfire sparks near Ogden Bay in Weber County

I-70 closed in Sevier County until Saturday evening due to wildfire

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Wildfire updates: I-70 reopens in Millard County after fire forces closure

Posted - July 28, 2018 at 10:14 p.m.

+ Show 2 more videos

Refuge Fire (near the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management area) containment status

Both directions of I-70 reopen

Crews put out lightning-caused fire near Eureka

Officials continue to battle wildfire in Tooele with more resources

Westbound I-70 reopens; Eastbound remains closed

New wildfire sparks near Ogden Bay in Weber County

I-70 closed in Sevier County until Saturday evening due to wildfire

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Show 2 more videos