Fire burns 400 acres, threatens structures in Dixie National Forest; another burns 350 acres in Manti-La Sal

SALT LAKE CITY — As temperatures rise in Utah, two wildfires are growing in the state's national forests.

One fire started in Dixie National Forest on Saturday afternoon and has burned approximately 400 acres. Dixie National Forest public affairs officer Kevin Abel said structures in the area are threatened and the Mammoth Creek Fire is being fought by ground and in the air.

Another wildfire at Bennion Ridge in Utah County has burned 350 acres and is 0% contained after starting from natural causes Friday, fire officials said.

The steep, rocky terrain surrounding the Bennion Fire and the current conditions are making containment efforts challenging, Manti-La Sal National Forest officials said in a press release.

Around 100 people were evacuated from a nearby campground Friday afternoon when the fire was around 30-50 acres, Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon said.

Smoke is currently visible from surrounding communities and from U.S. Highway 6.

Fire officials are asking the public to avoid the area.

Meanwhile, National Weather Service Salt Lake City is warning that hot and dry conditions will "keep fire danger high across much of the area through at least midweek." Salt Lake City hit the earliest 100-degree day in its recorded history on Friday as multiple heat records were broken across the state.

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