Bennion Creek Fire Update 6.15.21
| Bennion Creek Fire Update Tuesday, June 15, 2021 – Morning Update Fire Information Phone: 435-781-2746 (6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UtahWildfire Websites: https://www.utahfireinfo.gov |
Date Started: June 4, 2021 Location: Bennion Ridge, Manti- La Sal NF, UT
Cause: Natural Total acres: 8325 Containment: 10% Total Personnel: 270
June 15, 2021, 8:00 AM FIRE SUMMARY
Good progress is being made in stopping the latest growth of the Bennion Creek Fire, which is burning in dry and windy conditions northwest of Scofield Reservoir. The fire is in rugged country between Skyline and Starvation roads, on the Manti-La Sal National Forest. One evacuation order and several closures remain in effect for areas affected by the fire. Firefighters are working aggressively to contain the fire, protect structures, and mop up perimeter lines.
California Incident Management Team 10 has assumed command of the Bennion Fire. Today, aircraft, dozers, and crews will focus on continuing to build fireline around the fire that crossed east of the Starvation road on Sunday. The new burned area remains north of Forest Road 009, near Starvation Spring. The Bennion Creek Fire did not experience significant growth beyond fire lines overnight. No additional evacuation orders have been issued.
In addition to focusing on controlling growth on the fire’s southeast side, today firefighters will continue to enhance protective measures for structures in Bennion Creek and Sugar House camps. Planning and preparation for possible future protection of structures around Scofield Reservoir will continue. An evacuation order for Aspen Cove remains in place and will be reevaluated daily depended upon the fire’s activity. On the north side, crews will continue to patrol handline and dozer line for remaining heat. On the south side, crews will expand and improve control line along the heads of Kelly Canyon and Bennion Creek drainages and looking for opportunities to directly attack the fire. Scouting for possible additional control lines along the fire’s west side is ongoing.
Two CL415 Canadair super scoopers and two Fireboss aircraft are available to help firefighters control and gain access to the most active parts of the fire today. Six heavy, three medium, and two light helicopters will also support suppression efforts today. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire.
Smoke is visible in the surrounding communities and from Highway 6. Starvation road, Bennion Ridge road, Forest Road 0008(Bear Ridge Road), and Fish Creek Trail are closed for public & firefighter safety. With Red Flag weather and extreme to exceptional drought conditions in place over 90% of Utah, please be cautious with ignition sources while outdoors, and remain clear of the fire area.
Current Staffing:
Handcrews: 9
Engines: 10
Helicopters: 11
Dozers: 2
Closures: Bennion Ridge Road, Forest Road 0008 (Bear Ridge Road), Starvation Road, and Fish Creek Trail.
Evacuations: The Aspen Cove subdivision has been evacuated; its status will be re-evaluated tomorrow evening.
