Fire updates: Bald Mountain Fire 99 percent contained; minimal growth reported at other fires

SALT LAKE CITY — There was minimal growth at wildfires across the state over the weekend before rain showers are expected to roll into Utah, officials said.

The Bald Mountain Fire, which has scorched 18,620 acres, is 99 percent contained. The nearby Pole Creek Fire, which has burned another 102,188 acres since Sept. 6, was listed as 83 percent contained as of Monday evening, according to Utah Fire Info.

Nearly 1,000 personnel were assigned to the fires Monday. Most of that work Monday focused on repairing damage caused by fire suppression activities, such as minimizing debris flow into waterways to minimize surface erosion, U.S. Forest Service officials wrote in an update of the fire.

Officials wrote in a report that more than 130 miles of repairs were completed near both fires heading into the week, but more than 200 miles were still planned to be repaired.

“As the fall days get shorter, cooler and more humid, the fire will burn less, eventually going out when it snows,” U.S. Forest Service officials wrote in a report.

Officials wrote that as much as three inches of rain could end up falling in the area as the remnants of Hurricane Rosa reaches the area.

Most of Mirror Lake Highway reopened Monday morning, but it remained closed at a 16-mile stretch from Murdock Basin Turnoff to Ruth Lake Campground.

Little fire growth was also reported at the Riggs and Lonely fires burning south of Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah. Officials planned to monitor the fires over the next few days as rains were expected for the area, according to Color Country Interagency Fire officials.

Flash flood watches were issued for areas surrounding all six fires because of rain forecasted throughout the week.

Monday, 08:37pm

Covered Bridge residents in Utah County allowed to return home

Monday, 07:11pm

Prescribed fire conducted at Bear River Migratory BIrd Refuge

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