FEMA approves funds to fight Monroe Canyon fire, over 50 structures threatened

RICHFIELD, Utah (ABC4) — The Monroe Canyon Fire that is threatening structures in Sevier County is burning 8,646 acres and is still at 0% containment, according to the latest information released by the U.S. Forest Service- Fishlake National Forest.

According to officials, it has burned two structures, and more than 50 structures are threatened.

Crews say they plan to take advantage of favorable weather conditions on Thursday and aggressively engage containment in the area.

While structure protection in the Monroe, Manning Meadows and the Magelby area remains the highest priority, crews say they are planning to begin construction of containment lines along the fire perimeter.

Officials are trying to hold the fire from coming down the Monroe Canyon on the western side of the fire. On the north end of the fire, a recent prescribed burn should stop the fire from progressing in the Signal Mountain area, crews said.

389 fire personnel are responding to the fire at the moment. North Tooele District confirmed that one of their crews left Thursday morning to battle the fire in Richfield.

FEMA to make funds available

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the fire.

According to FEMA, the authorization makes funding available to pay 75% of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, repair and replacement.

These grants, however, do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Weather conditions

Crews say current weather conditions remain favorable and could help in containing the fire. They expect 8 to 12 mph winds to blow from the west, and relative humidity levels to bottom out around 25%.

Cooler and more humid conditions are expected to continue into the weekend. According to ABC4’s 4Warn weather team, an influx of moisture into southern Utah will lead to scattered thunderstorms and an increased flash flood threat.

According to the National Weather Service, a flood watch is in effect for portions of southern Utah through midnight on Thursday.