Beulah Fire blazes on, nears 5,000 acres with 39% containment

SUMMIT COUNTY (ABC4) — The Beulah Fire is full flames ahead as it ignites just under 5,000 acres and is only 39% contained.

Experts claimed yesterday’s warm weather and clear skies proved high visibility for the smoke from the fire in northern Utah. The fire spread slowed as it neared the East Fork burn scar. Burn scars are used as natural barriers to slow or stop fire growth.

Suppression efforts will continue today to fight the fire. Firefighters on Monday received support from a single helicopter which dropped more than 30 buckets of water on the fire. Today’s warm, sunny, and dry conditions put the surrounding areas at higher risk, especially with a slow breeze coming in. Thursday is expected to show signs of thunderstorms and rain showers.

According to fire officials, “Fire activity may increase, with the potential for backing (fire moving slowly against the wind or downslope), uphill runs (fire spreading more quickly uphill), smoldering (slow, low-intensity burning in heavy fuels), creeping (fire spreading slowly along the ground with low flames), and torching (flames burning through the crown of one or more trees).”

See maps for fire progression and closures:

Crews are reportingly steadily making progress to advance line construction in the Christmas Meadows drainage toward the wilderness boundary as well as reinforcing line in the East Fork drainage. Using drainages is a prime example of firefighter confinement strategy which depends on natural barriers to assist in halting fire spread.

Structure protection efforts are continuing as fire personnel work to clear flammable materials as well as setting up water tools like hoses and sprinklers and using natural features to defend homes, buildings, and other infrastructure in the fire’s wake. Endeavors to fortify Bear River Ranger Station, Hinkley Scout Camp, Mill Creek Guard Station as well as areas in the Manorlands, Uintalands, and Monnviso are ongoing.

Closures:  The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest has implemented an area closure to protect both the public and firefighting personnel. Closure details are available here