New wildfire burning near Tooele city, threatening structures

TOOELE, Utah (ABC4) — A new fire, dubbed “the Coleman Fire,” sparked just outside Tooele City limits, threatening nearby structures, according to Utah Fire Info.

According to a post on social media, fire officials say the fire has spread two acres since starting and threatened an unspecified number of structures. Fire crews quickly responded to the scene with 11 engines and were able to stop the forward progression of the flames.

It is currently unclear what sparked the fire or what structures have been threatened by the flames.

Fire risks ramp up across the Beehive State

Thursday morning’s fire outside Tooele’s city limits comes as a Red Flag Warning has been issued for the majority of Utah. Elevated gusty winds, high heat and dry vegetation have increased fire dangers throughout the state and are expected to hold until Saturday.

According to Utah Fire Info, there are four active fires burning throughout the Beehive State as of June 19. The two largest – the France Canyon Fire and the Bridge Creek Fire – sparked late last week in Southern Utah.

The France Canyon Fire has since exploded in size, reaching 7,650 acres and only five percent containment as of Thursday morning, June 19. Meanwhile, the Bridge Creek Fire has spread about 1,100 acres and is zero percent contained.

With the elevated fire risks throughout the state, the National Weather Service advises Utahns to be careful with campfires and avoid any activities that create sparks.