Deer Creek fire now 7% contained, smoke visible from Dead Horse Point State Park

LA SAL, Utah (ABC4) — The Deer Creek fire burning in San Juan County is now 7% contained and has burnt about 12,906 acres, according to the latest information posted by the Utah Department of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.

Of the total acres burnt, 536 acres are on State of Utah lands, 314 acres on Bureau of Land Management land in Utah, two acres on Bureau of Land Management land in Colorado, 1,491 acres on private land and 10,563 acres on land in the Manti La Sal National Forest, officials confirmed.

A total of 385 personnel have been assigned to the fire, with five helicopters, 21 engines, six crews and four dozers. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The fire has moved a mile into Colorado, approximately north of State Highway 90. Officials are warning drivers travelling along Highway 46 and Highway 90 to check current road conditions for information about any possible closures and be aware of changing conditions. 

Officials say the area near Chicken Creek burned early during the fire but there are no additional or undiscovered structures damaged within the area. 

Residents north of Highway 46 between the intersection of Upper 2 Mile Road and the Utah-Colorado state line remain under evacuation orders by San Juan County Sheriff. If you are in the area, the Sheriff’s office is asking you to sign up for updates via San Juan Alerts.

A closure order is in place for certain areas of the Manti-La Sal National Forest on the Moab Ranger District. 

Weather conditions

Crews suspect critical fire weather conditions for firefighters as winds of 30 to 50 mph are expected in the area. They have constructed line along the northern parts of the fire’s perimeter and will continue assessing the region as they move into Canopy Springs and the Dark Canyon area. 

Smoke from the fire can also be seen from Dead Horse Point State Park. Park visitors are requested to check the San Juan and Grand County Facebook pages for updates on road closures. The Park is outside the evacuation zone at this time.

Air resources plan to continue water and retardant drops in the Hangdog and Wolf Creek areas, but the team says flights may be limited if high winds are present.