FIRE WATCH: Gap Fire starts north of Scipio Lake area, reaches 300 acres

SCIPIO, Utah (ABC4) — A new fire started in the Scipio Lake area Wednesday afternoon and is now at an estimated 300 acres, leading to the closure of Hwy 50.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that a new wildfire started off Highway 50, approximately 7 miles east of the Scipio Lake area and near milepost 136. According to the Millard Sheriff Department, more resources were sent to assist, and the highway is closed.

Courtesy: Utah Fire Info

The current estimate states the fire, called the Gap Fire, is at 300 acres and growing. Local residents say that this is not new for the area, but there is concern for surrounding homes and cattle.

When the fire first broke out, one neighbor went to the area to help move their neighbor’s cows.

Don Broberg, a nearby resident, recalled seeing the fire break out, saying, “When the fire hits the cedar trees, it just explodes. There were flames starting to climb up the mountain, but it turned into an inferno when the wind hit it, and there were flames and smoke.”

According to officials, there is a structure about a mile north of the fire perimeter that is on high alert. Fire crews told ABC4 there is no innate threat to the structure, and they are working to protect it.

Courtesy: Utah Fire Info

Currently, 70 fire personnel are on scene. However, due to intense winds and steep terrain, hand crews will be joining in on Thursday. Local volunteer officers have been essential to fighting the fire, as well.

“The community has been great they’re going to allow us to put that command post here in town. Their volunteer firefighters have been helping with the suppression efforts tonight,” Landon Rowley, a Central Fire Management Officer said.

Utah Fire Info states this was human-caused, though specifics have not yet been confirmed. This comes a few hours after Millard Sheriff issued a Red Flag Warning for the county until 9pm.