Bennion Creek Fire Evening Update 6.15.21

Bennion Creek Fire Update Tuesday, June 15, 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  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7518/   

Date Started: June 4, 2021                   Location: Bennion Ridge, Manti- La Sal NF, UT

Cause:  Natural     Total acres:             8325     Containment: 10%             Total Personnel:   283

June 15, 2021, 9:00 PM                                   

California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 assumed command of the Bennion Creek Fire as of 0600 today, June 15. The fire is burning in steep and difficult to access terrain, northwest of Scofield Reservoir on the on the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The potential for active fire behavior remains high, given current weather conditions and critically dry fuels.

Partly cloudy weather today helped to keep the fire’s heat and growth lower than in previous days. Crews continued their work today providing structure protection and triage of areas that have the potential to be impacted by the fire. Today, crews worked to strengthen control lines on the southern flank of the fire and north along Starvation Road. Crews will continue their work holding the fire north of Bear Ridge Road.

Firefighters will continue to work tonight, to secure and hold the southern slop over on the fire. Crews will continue to monitor for spot fires and secure fire’s edge as needed.

The Red Flag Warning has been extended through Thursday, June 16. Extreme to exceptional drought conditions remain in place over 90% of Utah. The public is urged to use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources while outdoors, and remain clear of the fire area. The public is urged to drive with caution as smoke is visible in surrounding communities and along Highway 6.

Numerous helicopters remain available to support fire suppression efforts on the fire. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire.

Current Staffing:

Handcrews: 9

Engines: 7

Helicopters: 5

Dozers: 1

Closures: Bennion Ridge Road, Forest Road 0008 (Bear Ridge Road), Starvation Road, and Fish Creek Trail. These closures are for public and firefighter safety.

Evacuations: The Aspen Cove subdivision has been evacuated; its status will be re-evaluated tomorrow evening.

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