FORT DUCHESNE, Uintah County — A brush fire forced closure of a portion of U.S. 40 in Uintah County on Tuesday.
Police in Fort Duchesne said a field fire burning south of Ute Petroleum and Ute Plaza was "spreading rapidly," and they urged people to stay away from the area to allow for emergency crews to respond.
The fire has burned an estimated 5 acres so far, according to Utah Fire Info.
Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cameron Roden said people traveling west will be diverted off the highway at 8500 East, and people heading east will be diverted along 7500 East.
The fire is burning close to the highway, making visibility poor due to the wind, Roden said.
Crews are on scene working to get a handle on it.
The fire is also burning near the scene of an earlier crash, but the incidents are not related.
The Utah Department of Transportation said the stretch of road is expected to reopen by about 7:30 p.m.
This story will be updated.
