Pack Creek Fire Daily Update June 17
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Or [email protected]
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0
Start Date: June 9, 2021
Cause: Abandoned campfire
Size in Acres:8,518
Percent Contained:30%
Est. Cost to Date:$4.4 mil.
Helicopters:11
Engines:26
Crews:16
Total Personnel:561
Crews continue to see active fire behavior primarily in the Geyser Pass, Oowah Lake, Mill Creek, Horse Creek, and Squaw Springs area. The focus of operations for the Pack Creek Fire continues to be the Oowah Lake and Geyser Pass areas. Mitigating fire activity on the northeast side of Haystack Mountain is a priority to prevent the fire from spreading north and becoming established in the Dry Fork of Mill Creek.
In addition, crews increased containment in upper Pack Creek and south of Brumley Creek. In areas where crews cannot safely engage in direct attack, such as the steep slopes of Hell Canyon and Mount Mellenthin, they are looking at natural barriers to contain fire spread and keep the fire in check with air resources as necessary
Firefighters will also continue clearing hazard trees along Geyser Pass Road in anticipation of reopening the road as soon as safe to do so. Fire Managers are also evaluating the partial reopening of the La Sal Loop Road, balancing safety and public access.
Cloud cover will increase throughout the day today with predicted full cloud cover by this evening. The cloud cover and the continued uptick in relative humidity will help reduce fire behavior, but the cloud cover will also hold heat in the valley floor with an excessive heat warning continuing through Friday. The slight threat of dry thunderstorms increases today and Friday with potential red flag conditions occurring on Saturday. Fire managers are optimistic containment will continue to rise but are remaining attentive to the changing weather conditions.
To date, the Pack Creek Fire has not had any injuries or accidents which is a testament to the great work the firefighters are doing despite the extremely challenging firefighting conditions.
Investigators are still seeking leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start. Anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.
