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CENTERVILLE — The Deuel Creek Fire is now over three-fourths contained after it had "little growth" overnight and on Tuesday, according to federal agencies.
The fire, which sparked Sunday night, has scorched 129 acres of land in the foothills above Centerville, fueled mostly by grass and oak brush, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It's only an acre more than what was last reported on Monday. Despite hot temperatures, low humidity and wind — a mixture that often spreads fire — there was "little growth" along the fire's perimeter by the end of the day, the agency wrote in a report Tuesday morning.
That continued Tuesday, allowing firefighters to contain 76% of the fire perimeter by 5:30 p.m., up from 10% in the morning, according to Utah Fire Info, which is run by state and federal firefighting agencies.
U.S. Forest Service wrote in its update report Tuesday morning that fire managers felt "good" about the ability to reach more containment during the day. More than 150 personnel were assigned to the fire Tuesday, including four engines, three helicopters and a pair of hotshot crews.
"(Crews) have been working in the Parrish drainage putting out hot spots throughout the day," Utah Fire Info tweeted late Tuesday afternoon.
Roads leading into the popular Deuel Creek hiking area remain closed and people are urged to avoid the area. U.S. Forest Service officials also reminded people that drones aren't permitted in the area because of the helicopters used to fight the fire.
No structures are currently threatened after the fire initially led to the evacuation of 89 homes. Centerville Police Lt. Allen Ackerson said he feels "pretty comfortable" saying there will be no further evacuations related to the fire.
As the firefighting efforts continue, Ackerson credits the aptly named Fire Break Road for helping homes from being damaged or destroyed shortly after the fire began on Sunday.
The fire appears to have originated right next to the east side of the road before it moved up the foothill instead of toward homes, he told KSL NewsRadio's Dave and Dujanovic on Tuesday morning. Ackerson explained the road was constructed decades ago to create a buffer between the mountainside and valley homes in Davis County.
"It's been used many, many times successfully to stop fires from entering our city," he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, Centerville police have ruled it a human-caused fire and fireworks are still suspected. Ackerson said they've received some tips already; however, Centerville police ask anyone who may have seen anything in the Deuel Creek area Sunday night to call 801-292-8441.
Contributing: Dave Noriega, KSL NewsRadio
