FILLMORE — Crews battled a large fire near Fillmore and Meadow in Millard County on Sunday
The blaze, dubbed the Meadow Creek Fire, was sparked by lightning on private land about 5 a.m., said Hannah Cowan, Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman.
“It has since gained some momentum. ... It’s moving up-slope in mountainous terrain in Meadow Canyon, so pushing both sides of that canyon. And that’s being really pushed by these red flag winds,” she said.
By Sunday night, the fire was estimated at 1,200 acres and was zero percent contained, said BLM spokeswoman Kourtney Bradshaw. She said the fire was threatening Meadow’s municipal watershed (drinking water), but no buildings were immediately threatened.
While the flames started on private land, they later moved onto BLM, Forest Service, state land and more private land.
Strong winds and dry conditions fueled the fire’s growth throughout the afternoon, according to Cowan. The winds were expected to continue into late evening, and return again Monday morning.
About 100 firefighters from different agencies were on scene working on the fire. A Type 3 team — multi-agency crews that are called in for significant fires — was expected to arrive Monday, Bradshaw said.
Fillmore volunteer firefighters posted a video on Facebook showing flames consuming a large area of brush and urged people to stay out of the area.
“Heavy tankers both fixed wing and chopper are working at the present time. A Type III team has been ordered. Efforts are in place to advise those recreating on the mountain,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook. “Meadow itself has been defended well. Thank your local firefighters!”
Another lightning-caused fire, dubbed the Goat Canyon Fire, was also burning between Nephi and Scipio, fire officials said. It was estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000 acres as of Sunday evening. No buildings had been threatened and it was about 25 percent contained late Sunday.
A smaller fire also sparked Sunday afternoon near Oak City, Millard County. Crews were able to put it out after it reached 45 acres.
Contributing: Dan Bammes
