Mile Marker 217 Fire July 11, 2023 AM Update
UTAH INTERAGENCY FIRE
Canyon Country Interagency Fire Fact Sheet
RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2023, at 1130MEDIA CONTACT: 385-235-4364Rachel Wootton – BLM
Twitter: @UtahWildfire Facebook: @UtahFireInfo Hashtag: #MM217Fire www.utahfireinfo.gov
Status:
| Start Date: July 10, 2023 | Start Time: Early afternoon July 10, 2023 |
| Incident Type: Wildland Fire | Cause: Vehicle Rollover |
| Size: 1790-acres | Vegetation Type: Brush and Dry Grass |
| Expected Containment: Update on containment expected this evening – July 11, 2023 | Resources: ~100 personnel, air & ground. Current Resources include two initial attack crews, nine smoke jumpers, two helicopters, two water tender, six engines. Two more 20-person crews have been ordered. |
| Threatened: Oil and Gas Infrastructure | Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0 |
Location and Cooperating Agencies:
Location: Mile Marker 217 on Interstate 70 (I-70), started approximately 15 miles west of the Utah/Colorado border.
Cooperating Agencies: Bureau of Land Management (Grand Junction and Canyon Country District), Moab Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Lower Valley Fire Department, Rocky Mountain Power and Utah Department of Transportation
Situation:
| Current Situation: | Air resources flew over the fire this morning and mapped the area, confirming fire growth. As of 10:00, the fire is approximately 1,790 acres. A map will be provided soon. In most areas, the fire is smoldering and not moving. Most firefighters are now focused on mop up of the fire. The firefighters on the ground and in the area did a phenomenal job catching the wind-driven incident, and fire and agency managers are very grateful for their quick response in tough conditions. Aside from ensuring firefighter and public safety, the team’s biggest operational goals remain fire containment and keeping I-70 open for travel. Travelers are encouraged to monitor Utah Fire Information social media for updates and drive carefully when traveling in the area. Recreation in the area is not impacted and recreators can continue to access the Westwater boat ramp and ranger station. There is a Type 3 Incident Management Team managing fire suppression efforts. |
| Evacuations: | N/A |
| Road Closures: | No current road closures or impacts to travel in I-70, but that is still a concern for fire managers. |
