Monroe Canyon Fire crosses 70,000 acres as containment increases

SEVIER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Firefighters continue to increase containment on the Monroe Canyon Fire in Sevier County despite the fire now being over 70,000 acres in size.

In an update Saturday morning, the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team says the fire is at 70,362 acres and is 26% contained, with 1,351 total personnel working the fire.

Fire officials say crews in the Glenwood Mountain area continue with mopping up hotspots and snagging that occurred around communication sites. Firefighters in Monroe Canyon were able to hold and strengthen the fire line with the help of masticators and chippers.

Firefighters in the Bear Valley area are also mopping up any hot spots, specifically along the Highway 24 corridor. In the Burrville area, firefighters were able to gain access under power lines and continue to secure and mop up the area.

Red flag conditions are expected in the area today, with dry thunderstorms possible. Temperatures in the area will be in the upper 80’s to low 90’s, with winds gusting to 25 to 30 miles per hour.