Another portion of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest has been closed to visitors, campers and travelers on U-150 as crews battle the East Fork fire, which had grown to 3,500 acres by Sunday afternoon.
The area closed is between the Evanston Ranger District and the Mountain View Ranger District and is a precautionary measure. It is unknown when the area will reopen. Nor is there an estimated date of containment for the fire, said Patti Klein, fire information officer for the U.S. Forest Service.
Hot, dry weather combined with dry vegetation continued to add to firefighters' difficulties. However, high winds that caused problems Saturday had died down to 15 to 20 mph Sunday, Klein said.
About 275 fire personnel are at the scene, as well as three helicopters. Fire managers have ordered six air tankers but only two had arrived by Sunday afternoon. The others may not be sent if they are needed at other wildfires throughout the western United States, Klein said.
The blaze began around noon Friday. Investigators suspect it was human-caused.