Pack Creek Fire Daily Update June 19
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0
Start Date: June 9, 2021
Cause: Abandoned campfire
Size in Acres: 8,938
Percent Contained: 43%
Est. Cost to Date: $6.1 mil.
Helicopters: 10
Engines: 26
Crews: 16
Total Personnel: 578
Summary:
Friday’s forecasted dry lightning ignited three new wildfires in the vicinity of the Pack Creek Fire; two of the fires were near Monticello and the third was on private property near Carpenter Ridge, approximately four miles east of the Pack Creek fire perimeter. Initial attack resources from the Pack Creek Fire responded to all three fires and will continue to work throughout the day to establish containment lines around them. The Red Flag Warning was extended into today and weather conditions are forecasted to be similar to Friday with increased gusty winds both in the fire area and the Moab valley. Despite the challenging conditions, overall containment on the Pack Creek Fire increased to 43 percent.
A masticator, a machine that grinds vegetation, is working on Warner Lake Road, removing heavy vegetation along both sides of the road. The masticator is an effective hazardous fuels reduction tractor designed to construct fuel breaks for contingency firelines. Chainsaw teams are working along Geyser Pass Road, manually removing hazard trees in anticipation of reopening access to the La Sal Mountains when safe to do so. There are areas of the road that are currently impassable due to downed trees and crews are working to clear the road and right of way to ensure safe access to the popular recreation area.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest Closure remains in place and the entire area remains closed for any type of access or recreation. The forest closure can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mantilasal/alerts-notices. Residents of lower and upper Pack Creek, Buried Hatchet and Whispering Oaks may access their property via the southside of the La Sal Loop Road with proof of residency. The La Sal Loop Road remains closed to the general public. Evacuations remain in place in and around the area east of Geyser Pass, from Blue Lake to the east towards the Dark Canyon area.
Investigators are still seeking leads to help identify those responsible for the fire’s ignition. Anyone who has information related to the identification of the responsible party of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.
