Evacuations ordered near Monroe Fire burning in Sevier County

RICHFIELD, Utah (ABC4) — Evacuation orders have been issued near the Monroe Fire that has sparked several miles south of Richfield in Sevier County.

Sevier County Emergency Management said evacuation orders have been set for the area in Magelbys and north onto Cove Mountain. Officials said the Elk Country Cabins are among those that need to be evacuated.

“If you have property on Cove between Elk Country Cabins and Big Lake, you should start getting your belongings and personal items out. You may not get another chance other than today,” officials said in a statement released on Tuesday, July 15.

The Monroe Fire has been burning on Monroe Mountain since Sunday, July 13. In the short time since, the flames have surpassed 5,000 acres and remain 0% contained.

Emergency Management said that with the way winds have been moving, paired with heightened fire weather conditions and the blaze not “sleeping” during the cooler weather at night, the blaze is expected to carry across Magelby’s on Tuesday and on to Cove Mountain.

Roughly 40 to 50 structures have been threatened by the flames, according to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. At the last update, nearly 200 fire personnel are working hard to save structures and get the fire under control.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The public is asked to stay out of the area while crews work to contain the fire. All roads have been blocked and officials say there is no access at this point. Anyone who may be on the mountain is asked to evacuate down the Koosharem side.