Wildfires Are Rage Across The West - Are Being Controlled In Utah

Wildfires are making big news in the Western United States and are affecting travel and recreation in some areas. In general, fires in Utah are not located near major highways, national parks or recreation areas. But that could change and so people are encouraged to monitor conditions where they will be traveling.

The Utah Fire Info website has the most current information available about active fires.

The "Wood Hollow Fire" is raging near Fountain Green in Central Utah. At this writing it is listed as only 10% contained. Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Big Hollow, and Oaker Hills communities are under mandatory evacuation orders. Numerous cabins and other structures have been lost.

A large fire near Saratoga Springs, between Provo and Salt Lake City, is now 100% contained and all evacuations have been lifted. A week ago it filled Salt Lake and Utah valleys with smoke but that is now mostly cleared. That fire is no longer causing travel problems.

The "Church Camp Fire" in Argyle Canyon, south of Duchesne in eastern Utah, is still small but is listed as 0% contained. It will certainly grow larger but is not expected to affect travel on major highways. People staying in cabins in that area have been evacuated.

A fire just east of Delta, in central Utah, is now 90% contained and is expected to be fully contained soon.

And the Quail Fire, near the town of Leeds, near St George in southwestern Utah, is now listed as 100% contained.

Officials are asking everyone to use common sense at this time when fire danger is high. Respect any road closures. Do not try to drive into areas where there is active work to control fires. Let fire workers do their jobs.

Utah's backcountry is tinder dry and open fires are prohibited on most public lands outside of developed campgrounds.

Fireworks are always prohibited from National Parks and many public areas.

Many communities are imposing restrictions on fireworks.

Several recent fires have been caused by sparks from target shooting. If you want to shoot, find a safe area where ricocheting bullets will not cause fires.