East Fork & Center Creek Fire Update
September 17, 2020
East Fork Fire: The Forest Service has modified the closure area east of Blindstream Road and south of Rock Creek Road. The Blindstream Road remains closed from the switchbacks to Rock Creek Road. Yesterday saw very active fire behavior in Mackentire and Raspberry Draws. The area northwest of Moon Lake campground continued to burn moderately, and there was also growth along the West Fork Rock Creek area. Crews completed indirect line from Flea Flat to the wilderness boundary.
Center Creek Trail Fire: The Center Creek Trail Fire is showing limited fire behavior and currently poses no threat of moving south toward the wilderness boundary.
Closures: Closures are in effect for the Ashley National Forest and Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands. Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office has closed county roads in and near the fire area.
All closures are posted at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/ 7052/.
Closure Map: https://go.usa.gov/xGR78
Today’s Operations: Crews will work to monitor and mop up the south and southeast perimeter of the fire. Crews will also continue to secure and hold established containment lines and indirect lines throughout the fire perimeter. If the fire continues to push to the northeast, firefighters, given favorable conditions, may burn out from Flea Flat to Mill Park towards the fire’s head to combat fire spread.
Weather: Today’s temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70s. Relative humidities are low and fire behavior is expected to be active. Winds will be south-southwest from 10 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, with northwestern winds picking up early afternoon. Active fire behavior is expected in higher elevations due to increased winds. Weather tonight will be in the high 40s.
Safety: The public is asked to respect road and area closures. Please drive with caution as firefighters are working in the area and smoke reduces visibility. Drones are hazardous to fire aviation assets and are not permitted in the fire area. Remember: If you fly, we can’t. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority for Great Basin Team 7.
Resources: 4 Helicopters, 24 Engines, 4 water tenders, 1 Hotshot crew, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrew, 2 dozers and 3 Wildland Fire Modules. Currently 277 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 25 firefighters assigned.
