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DUTCH JOHN, Daggett County — Lightning is being blamed for a wildfire that sparked near Flaming Gorge Reservoir Monday afternoon.
Utah fire officials said Tuesday morning the fire is estimated to be about 100 acres with 0% containment. The Mustang Campground and around 60-70 trailers were evacuated "out of caution," officials said.
Late Monday, officials at Ashley National Forest said a bulldozer had arrived and was working to put in a fire line.
Two helicopters, three engines and two hand crews were also assigned to the fire.
"The helicopter did some good work today, but we will have to see what spot fires and the weather do tomorrow. We are trying to get vehicles out of the parking lot tonight just in case," National Forest officials said.
Any wildland firefighter will tell you windy conditions are always one of their biggest concerns with wildfires. Lots of heavy gusts here at Flaming Gorge. @UtahWildfire says this one started in the Sunny Cove area and was initially reported at five acres. pic.twitter.com/E2EW0zC4pW
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 18, 2023
Earlier Monday, state fire officials said in a tweet that hot and dry conditions were increasing fire behavior. The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands urged people to use "fire sense" to avoid wildfires as temperatures rise and vegetation dries out.
