Wildland fires continued to rage across Utah today, gobbling up more acreage, prompting additional evacuations and forcing road closures.
Heavy smoke has forced the shutdown of Highway 138 from Interstate 80 to the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Tooele County. Dubbed the Kimball Fire, the blaze is burning 15 miles west of Grantsville and has burned two outbuildings. One home, a communication tower and three outbuildings continue to be threatened. One home was evacuated.
"It's moving pretty quickly. It is gaining some ground," said Erin Darboven with the Bureau of Land Management. "It's very, very active."
So far, the lightning-caused blaze has charred 5,600 acres since it began July 18. It is 10 percent contained. Fire officials are warning that smoke may hinder visibility for travelers on I-80.
Near Nephi, the Salt Creek Fire had burned 15,109 acres by 4:30 p.m. this afternoon and was 0 percent contained. The fire was about five miles from Nephi city, but the wind was blowing the flames away from the city for now. Terry Krasko, spokesman for the BLM, said he does not believe that the city of Nephi will be threatened.
The fire began Thursday and has destroyed at least three structures and caused the evacuation of the community of Holiday Oaks, according to fire officials. Camper World, a KOA campsite, was partially destroyed by the blaze.
"The main emphasis this afternoon is structure protection," said Burt Hart with the Richfield Interagency Fire Center.
Winds have picked up this afternoon in Nephi Canyon, churning huge columns of black and white smoke. Large flames could be seen from miles away.
Meanwhile, firefighters complained today of a lack of firefighting resources.
"All of the orders for additional crews, we haven't been able to fill at all," said Loyal Clark, with the Uinta National Forest.
A Type I fire team has been located in Florida and will be sent to Utah to manage the firefighting effort. Clark said a Type I incident commander would arrive later tonight and a Type I team from Florida would take over firefighting efforts by Saturday night.
"That's the nearest available team," she said. "All the others are committed to other fires."
The fire had not entered any subdivisions in Nephi Canyon this afternoon, bringing relief to a number of evacuees who gathered on state Route 132 to watch the fire burn.
Structures in Holiday Oaks, Indianola and Fountain Green are threatened, and all roads on Mount Nebo Loop have been closed and campgrounds evacuated. Officials say about 2,000 people were evacuated, including homeowners in the canyon area.
"We've got the clothes on our back, and I took the medicine which was in my purse," said Bonnie Nicol, who was evacuated from the Holiday Oaks subdivision.
She watched anxiously from S.R. 132 as huge plumes of smoke and flames moved through the area, unsure if her home has been destroyed.
In Indianola, homes, cabins and campgrounds were put on standby for evacuation as the Salt Creek fire moved closer today. Many campers have already evacuated, leaving tents and trailers behind.
S.R. 132, the highway that is between Nephi and Fountain Green has been shut down since Thursday afternoon.
At least 23 local fire departments and air tankers are assisting with the efforts to quell the blaze, which is at a 0 percent containment level. Its cause is under investigation.
Farther south, Kane County issued a mandatory evacuation order for the area east of Zions National Park, where the Dakota Hills Complex fires are burning. More than 8,300 acres have been charred, and the fire is threatening numerous structures.
Residents of Kolob Terrace, Chamberlin Ranch and a campground have been evacuated. Saturday's scheduled Kolob Days Festivities were canceled because of fire danger.
As of 6 a.m. Friday, the Arizona Central West Zone Incident Management Team assumed management of the Dakota Hill Complex, which is actually three fires.
Officials said their plan Friday is to construct and reinforce fire lines to keep the fire south of the north fork of the Virgin River. Contingency lines will be established along existing roads south of Cogswell point.
Because the fire is in rugged, steep terrain, several smokejumpers, air tankers and helitankers are being used to fight the blaze, which began July 16 due to a lightning strike.
Because of the fire activity, officials have closed the back country of Zions National Park. The park itself remains open.
Other Utah fires include:
The Radio Fire 15 miles southwest of St. George is at 7,000-plus acres. It was caused by lightning on July 18.
The Paradise Fire on the Utah/Nevada border near Hamlin Valley is at 4,000-plus acres and was started by lightning on July 16. Hamlin Valley was evacuated, and a number of residences are threatened. At least three structures have been lost.
The Neola North Fire began June 29 and is 89 percent contained. It has burned 43,000 acres. Its cause remains under investigation.
The Monarch Fire on the north end of the Lakeside Mountains in Tooele County is at 24,000-plus acres and is 50 percent contained. It started July 18 because of a lightning strike.
The Milford Flat Fire started July 6 by lightning three miles north of Milford and has burned 363,052 acres. It is 100 percent contained.
E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com