- Burrville residents return home after a week-long evacuation due to wildfire.
- Monroe Canyon Fire, burning over 63,000 acres, is only 13% contained.
- High winds challenge firefighters; over 1,300 personnel from 30 states are involved.
BURRVILLE — High winds and dry weather are making it difficult for firefighters battling the Monroe Canyon Fire.
That wildfire in central Utah has burned more than 63,000 acres and is 13% contained.
But after being evacuated for almost a week, one community in Sevier County is now breathing a sigh of relief. People in Burrville can return to their homes.
Located just southwest of the Koosharem Reservoir, Burrville is not a big place. There's just one four-way stop sign in town.
"If you get stuck behind traffic, it's probably a tractor," said Ken Wabel, laughing.
Wabel's family has owned property in Burrville for years. After hearing the evacuation order had been lifted, Wabel went back up to Burrville Tuesday morning to get his solar panels — which power his refrigerator — set back up.
"Just getting things back," Wabel said. "Got to put a battery back on my system, and everything's good."
But the Monroe Canyon Fire isn't out yet. Just above Wabel's property, helicopters were busy Tuesday morning dumping water, and smoke is still visible.
Windy conditions
Firefighters have made progress on the fire, which has destroyed several structures since it started on July 13. Officials said flames flared up Monday in Manning Meadows, but firefighters were able to quickly get them under control, protecting several homes in the process.
Despite the progress, crews are also battling the weather.
"This fire's been especially challenging because the winds have been so high," said Chip Faver, Monroe Canyon Fire public information officer.
Faver said gusts got up to 45 miles per hour on Monday, and they were expected to hit the high 30s on Tuesday. Red flag conditions will likely remain through Thursday, Faver said.
"You literally cannot turn your back on any aspect of the fire during those times," he said.
Wabel told KSL-TV he wasn't worried about his place while the evacuation order was in place.
"Can't get too worried about things you can't control," said Wabel.
He's amazed by what firefighters have done. More than 1,300 people are involved in fighting the fire, and they come from more than 30 states across the country.
"They're amazing people," Wabel said. "(They) give up whatever they were doing to jump out, grab a shovel and do what they got to do."
It remains unknown what caused the Monroe Canyon Fire.
