Containment on Monroe Canyon Fire jumps to 36%, critical fire weather expected this week

RICHFIELD, Utah (ABC4) — Containment on the Monroe Fire jumps to 36% as it crosses over 71,000 acres, according to the latest information from the U.S. Forest Service – Fishlake National Forest.

Crews say they will continue to monitor and improve the western flank of the fire by clearing fuels in Monroe Canyon and around Signal Peak. A helicopter is being used to moderate fire activity in Water Canyon and Rock Canyon areas and a crew is also in place in Burrville to monitor the area and prevent structure damage.

They will also continue to maintain a presence in the Magleby and Manning Meadows communities, providing structure protection. Though evacuation orders have been lifted, officials say they are on high alert as hot, dry and breezy conditions will persist over the fire area.

Officials say mop-up operations will continue along the southern edge of the fire as crews clean up following burn operations.

Weather conditions

Officials say a high-pressure system is building, which will produce northwest winds with gusts of up to 20 mph. According to ABC4’s 4Warn Weather team, high pressure will dominate through the midweek, allowing for temps to approach the triple-digits by Wednesday. 

Crews expect critical fire conditions due to a combination of hot weather and light winds. A fire and fuels behavior advisory is in effect due to critically dry fuel moisture.

The Fishlake National Forest has an Emergency Closure Order due to the fire for the general area north of Dry Creek Canyon Road.

The fire has been burning for a month now and Governor Spencer Cox (R-Utah) has declared a state of emergency due to the fire.