Beulah Fire sees ‘explosive’ growth in High Uintas Wilderness

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The Beulah Fire, burning on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains, saw explosive fire growth on Saturday, according to the Interagency Incident Management Team.

The wildfire, which was first reported Thursday, Aug. 7, is burning in the High Uintas Wilderness in the Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District. The fire is reportedly located about 7.5 miles southeast of the Bear River Ranger Station on Highway 150.

The Beulah Fire is burning in heavy timber in an area with critical fire weather conditions, officials said. High winds and low relative humidity have resulted in “explosive fire growth,” Sunday’s update states.

See a time lapse of the Beulah Fire below:

Courtesy of Utah Fire Info

The current fire weather forecast calls for a slight decrease in temperatures and 10-15 mph winds changing to the northwest on Sunday. The Great Basin Team 4, a Complex Incident Management Team, is in the process of taking over command of the wildfire.

“As the transition occurs, firefighter and public safety will remain the number one priority,” Sunday’s update states. “Today, various full suppression strategies and tactics will be utilized to reduce or eliminate risks to communities, infrastructure, recreation, and cultural resources.”

Currently mapped at 2,310 acres, the Beulah Fire is 0% contained.