Bennion Fire Evening Update 6.14.21

Bennion Creek Fire Update Monday, June 14, 2021 – Evening 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: Bennison Ridge, Manti- La Sal NF, UT

Cause:  Natural     Total acres: 7724     Containment: 10%       Total Personnel:   270

June 14, 2021, 8:00 PM                                    FIRE SUMMARY

Despite dry and windy conditions, good progress was made today on stopping the latest growth of the Bennion Creek Fire, which is burning northwest of Scofield Reservoir.  The fire is located 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.

As of 6am on June 15, 2021, California Incident Management Team 10 will be in command of the Bennion Fire.  Today, aircraft, dozers, and crews focused on building fireline around the fire that crossed east of the Starvation road last night.  The new burned area remains north of Forest Road 009, near Starvation Spring.  Other areas of the fire did not experience significant growth beyond fire lines today.  No additional evacuation orders have been issued.

On the fire’s east side, firefighters enhanced protection measures for structures in Bennion Creek and Sugar House camps.  Planning and preparation for possible future protection of structures around Scofield Reservoir continued. An evacuation order for Aspen Cove remains in place and will be reevaluated daily depended upon the fire’s activity.  On the south side of the fire, crews expanded and improved control line along the heads of Kelly Canyon and Bennion Creek drainages.  On the north and west sides, firefighters secured and improved handline and dozer line, and scouted for opportunities for additional control lines. Crews will remain on the fireline overnight to perform structure protection and fire suppression work.

Two CL415 Canadair super scooper aircraft helped firefighters control and gain access to the most active parts of the fire today.  Two heavy, two medium, and one light helicopter also supported 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 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: 8

Engines: 12

Helicopters: 5

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.

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