Local authorities in Utah ordered residents of the Reeder Subdivision to evacuate Monday as shifting winds threatened to push the lightning-sparked Black Canyon Fire toward homes in the area.
Fire Erupts in Rugged Terrain
The Black Canyon Fire started from a lightning strike and was first discovered July 31 in steep, rugged terrain roughly 16 miles east of Ephraim, Utah, according to an Aug. 2 news release from the U.S. Forest Service. As of the release, the blaze was estimated at 50 acres.In response to the fire, the Manti-La Sal National Forest issued a closure order for the Ferron Ranger District covering forest lands in Sanpete and Emery counties. The closed zone lies northeast of Reeder Canyon Trail, east of Skyline Drive, south of Potters Canyon Road and west of a forest road known as Lowry Water, and it includes Potters Pond Campground and its spur roads. Several specific routes were named as closed, including sections of Skyline Drive, the full length of Reeder Ridge Road, Reeder Canyon Trail, and multiple other forest roads.
Other Utah Wildfires Remain Active
Elsewhere in Utah, the Widemouth 2 Fire had grown to 36,438 acres with zero percent containment as of Monday morning, though officials said the true size is likely larger because no overnight infrared flight was conducted, Utah Fire Info said on Aug. 3.The fire, burning in the Fillmore Ranger District about six miles south of Kanosh, started July 27 from a lightning strike. Crews reported progress near Kanosh and Meadow but said the fire continues pushing east over Chalk Creek, and a community meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at Millard High School.