Pack Creek Fire Update July 1

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Fire Information: (435) 287-4126 or [email protected]  

Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0 

Summary: 

Due to decreased fire activity and high containment, this will be the last daily update for the Pack Creek Fire unless conditions change. We will continue to share major developments on social media, the Utah Fire Info website, Inciweb, as needed. 

Firefighters continue monitoring the fire, looking for hotspots along the perimeter, addressing hazards, and completing rehabilitation work. Moisture in the mountains continues to aid suppression efforts. Thunderstorms are expected to continue through early next week. Even though fire activity is minimal, the fire is still burning in the interior and, as conditions dry out, Moab residents and visitors may continue to see smoke throughout the summer.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been updated and now includes a fire mile radius over the fire. Unauthorized use of aircraft (including drones) in a TFR is illegal and is a safety risk for firefighters and pilots. 

Evacuations are still in place for the Holyoak and Dark Canyon areas. Fire managers anticipate that the evacuation order will be lifted next week, but some forest areas will likely remain closed throughout the summer. The La Sal Loop Road is now open, but Geyser Pass and Oowah Lake Roads are closed. The Warner Lake and Oowah Lake campgrounds remain closed. 

The Manti La Sal National Forest updated the closure order for the La Sal Mountains on June 24. The updated closure is still in effect, but as people begin to re-enter the area, they should be on the lookout for fallen trees, uneven ground, reduced visibility from dust or smoke, firefighting personnel who continue to work in the area, and other hazards. The public should expect trail and recreation site closures to continue due to risks from falling trees and/or potential flooding. The closure can be found online: https://bit.ly/3h7ixYM.   

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.

As of June 25, public and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are not allowed on public or state lands. Learn more on the Utah Fire Information website: https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/.