Snoqualmie Fire Update September 4, 2019

CONTACT: Kim Osborn (801) 710-3664

The Snoqualmie Fire, located east of Layton, Utah on the Salt Lake Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest began at approximately 9:45 PM on September 2, 2019. The fire is currently 128 acres and 0% contained. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

Municipal, county, state and federal resources responded to the initial report Monday night. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest was in unified command with Layton City Fire Department until 6:00 PM Tuesday evening. The fire was then transferred to the Northern Utah Interagency Type 3 Team. Structure protection was provided throughout this time by multiple cooperating agencies from Salt Lake, Davis and Weber Counties.

Monday night a northeast wind pushed the fire towards residences and firefighters put in hose lays and conducted a burn out operation above the homes to protect the structures and help slow the fire’s progression. At this point it was decided to evacuate the neighborhood in closest proximity to the fire. Structure protection engines remained in the evacuated neighborhood through the night. Police officers from Layton City as well as neighboring jurisdictions staffed the evacuation area.

Tuesday handcrews used chain saws to clear the thick oak brush before digging fireline on the edge of the fire. Firefighters utilized helicopters to drop water throughout the day on active areas of the fire. Due to the successful suppression tactics, residents were able to return to their homes by 7:30 PM.

Today: Firefighters will work throughout the day to secure the fireline and fully suppress the fire’s edge. Air resources including 3 helicopters are available support suppression efforts throughout the shift.

Closures: The Forest Service closure includes the portions of the Bonneville Shoreline trail that is on National Forest System Lands, Great Western trail and Forest Service roads #083, #083-A, and #083-B and the access from Hobbs Canyon to the Bonneville Shoreline trail and Great Western trail. This includes all motorized vehicles, pedestrian, equestrian, hikers and bikers

Resources: Handcrews: 6, Helicopters: 2, Total personnel: 211

Updates: Updated fire and closure information will be posted to Utah Fire Info’s Facebook and Twitter as well as the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache’s Facebook page.

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