Firefighters made some progress in battling a nearly 1,500-acre wildfire burning in Juab County as new crews brought to 333 the number of people fighting the blaze.
The Salt Creek fire, about nine miles south of Levan just off U-28, reached 55 percent containment Thursday, up from 20 percent containment Wednesday, Richfield Interagency Fire Center logistics coordinator Karen Feary said. Wednesday's efforts were frustrating to crews, who were stretched thin and could not improve containment from the day earlier.
But on Thursday, three new Type 2 hand crews arrived, and fire officials are now predicting full containment on Saturday, with the fire under control by Aug. 21.
"Mainly, it was having additional crews on the line and the additional help from the helicopters" that aided firefighters' efforts Thursday, Feary said. Crews continue to struggle with hot, dry conditions as the fire tears through dry oak brush, pinyon-juniper, sage and grass.
The fire started Monday as smouldering remains from a weekend lightning strike reignited dry vegetation on Bureau of Land Management-owned property. The fire has since spread to nearby private land, and one residence and five outbuildings on that property are being watched carefully by crews. No damage has occurred to any buildings yet, and firefighters have set up protective measures, including a sprinkler system, to avoid any damage.
Feary said a small burnout on the southwest corner of the fire helped complete a fire line that boosted the fire's containment substantially.
Though crews are seeing more success in the battle, fire officials say they are not yet out of the clear.
"The concern is with steep terrain, dry fuels, high temperatures and low humidities," Feary said. "There is still potential for extreme fire behavior."
She said crews plan to continue holding and reinforcing existing fire lines today.
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