Deer Creek Fire grows over 17,000 acres, now at 54% containment

Through their investigation, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and Utah Fire Authority determined that the fire was human caused. Reportedly, they have identified a suspect, but they are not releasing any additional information about the suspect at this time.

The fire that has been burning since June 10 has grown 1,231 acres since Sunday. Officials said this number reflects the 780 acres in the center of the fire’s footprint previously thought to be unburned.

The increase in acreage is reflected on the map below:

Officials said firefighters gained additional containment on the fire along the Upper Two Mile Road and Highway 46 close to the Utah-Colorado border.

Over 570 fire personnel are fighting the fire, along with six helicopters, 32 engines and 11 crews on scene. The fire has damaged 11 structures so far.

Video Courtesy: Utah Fire Info

On Monday, crews said they will focus on monitoring the western and northern flanks of the fire, with attention to potential heat sources near containment lines. On the southeast side of the fire, crews said they are constructing a direct handline at the fire’s edge and extinguishing hot spots along the line.  

Video Courtesy: Utah Fire Info

According to Utah Fire Info, the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Red Flag Warning for Fire Weather in Box Elder County, Davis County, Weber County, Salt Lake County, Tooele County, and Utah County, due to strong winds and low relative humidity. This means that conditions are critical for fire starts and rapid fire spread.

San Juan County is under a Hazardous Weather Outlook, which means they could see potential weather hazards within the next seven days.

Damage repair work

As fire activity decreases, crews said they will shift focus from active suppression to repairing areas impacted by firefighting efforts. City officials are asking residents to fill out a form to identify areas needing repair after the Deer Creek Fire.

Though there is no deadline on the submission, officials are asking the community to submit the form as quickly as possible.

Closures are in effect in certain areas of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. You can find that information here. County roads within the San Juan County evacuation area are closed to public traffic. 

Anyone traveling along the Highway 46/90 corridor near the Utah-Colorado border should check current road conditions for information about any possible closures and be aware of changing conditions.