Crews battle harsh conditions, recreation areas threatened, as Beulah Fire grows

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The Beulah Fire has reached over 3,000 acres and remains at 0% containment as fire crews battle harsh conditions.

The Buelah fire is burning north of the Uinta Mountains, nearly 7.5 miles southeast of the Bear River Ranger Station, along Highway 150. There are over 390 personnel working on the fire from Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming. Fire officials say dry fuels, strong winds and low humidity have encouraged the spread.

Crews also say there are spot fires caused by embers that are making it harder for them to fight the fire. The Beulah fire is now being taken over by the Great Basin Team 4, a complex incident management team.

Currently, the focus of firefighting crews is on Christmas Meadows, the Boy Scout camp, Uinta Lands, and Manor Lands. As of Tuesday, campgrounds and trailheads like Christmas Meadows, Lily Lake, and Hell Hole are closed and have been evacuated, along with many other popular forest access points.

“My biggest concern is the threat to human life and property being sectioned. It’s a huge recreation area and lots of people, and that hampers the efforts and the effect the firefighters are trying to do when they have to spend their time facilitating people,” Tim Overy, a Wyoming resident, said.

Overy is just under 20 miles north of the fire, and he came to the meeting on Tuesday evening for more clarity. He said, “I feel really comfortable with what they’ve got in place and their goals and objectives for the meeting tonight.”

Elise Madison lives in Uinta County in Wyoming, and is about six miles from one point of the fire. She says, “I’m terrified, and I feel bad for my cat. I’m worried about him.

Madison also says she feels prepared for the fire, “We feel like it’s safe to be here at this point, but we’re staying diligent and constantly checking the websites for updates.”

Fire crews also say they are watching the forward progression of the fire and expect it to start spreading more south.