Smoke Report for NE Utah, Bear and Bennion Creek Fires 6.17.2021

Special Statement

Red Flag Warning in effect today until 10PM Thursday due to gusty winds and low humidity.

Fire

The Bear fire had a growth of 955 acres and is now at 12170 acres with 30% containment and the Bennion Creek fire grew only 13 acres and is 8329 and is 17% contained. Most of the growth from the Bear fire is due to increased boundary mapping. Persistent red flag conditions and instability over the fire area due to a system arriving late today will provide potential for rapid fire spread and fire growth.

Smoke

Today there is a possibility of an increase in smoke due to a system arriving late today. The smoke is expected to drift North East of the fires today. The communities of Roosevelt, Vernal and Rangely will see smoke in the moderate ranges throughout the day. Helper and communities South of the fires will see similar conditions as yesterday. Depending on fire activity smoke impacts could increase due to erratic winds in the area. Moab will have moderate air quality today due to fire activity on the Pack Creek fire and smoke coming from fires in Arizona, New Mexico.

Today’s Message

The daily AQI forecast is based on the 24 hour average concentration. However if you smell smoke, you are breathing smoke. Stay indoors if you and avoid smoke if you are smoke sensitive or consider leaving the area until the smoke clears out of your area.