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SALT LAKE CITY — Crews have dropped nearly two million gallons of retardant and water on the Pole Creek Fire since Sept. 10, officials said.
Helicopters and airtankers dropped a total of 1,007,755 gallons of retardant and 929,627 gallons of water on the fire, which began Sept. 6 after lightning struck dry brush in the area.
Fire retardant is applied directly to the edge of a fire to slow the progression, or literally "retard" the fire. It is also dropped along firelines to help strengthen these lines. A few photos of a few areas on the #BaldMountainFire that fire retardant was used successfully. pic.twitter.com/rTyispC7M0
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) September 24, 2018
The Pole Creek and Bald Mountain fires in Utah County have now burned over 120,000 acres, though neither blaze grew much over the weekend, officials said. Almost 1,700 fire personnel are assigned to fight the flames.
The Pole Creek Fire has burned 101,423 acres and is 41 percent contained, and the Bald Mountain Fire has burned 18,596 acres and is 33 percent contained. Officials believe the next three days will bring higher humidity, cooler temperatures and a shifting wind from the northwest, all of which will help crews fight the fires.
Those fighting the Pole Creek Fire will focus on protecting structures in Wanrhodes Creek and Covered Bridge, as well as a portion of the southeast corner of the fire near Coffeepot Trail.
Eric Zanotto, Operations for the Rocky Mountain Team, giving an operational update for the #BaldMountainFire for Mon, Sept. 24, 2018 amhttps://t.co/z9czBWl1ac
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) September 24, 2018
A community meeting to discuss the Pole Creek Fire will be held Tuesday at a meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 8000 E. 36500 North in Indianola, officials announced. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Sunday's coverage:
Fire updates: No growth reported for Pole Creek, Bald Mountain fires
Crews gained some ground Saturday on two huge wildfires raging in Utah County, but are preparing for a red flag warning day Sunday with gusting winds.
