Cherry Fire sees significant rainfall overnight, community asked to stay alert

SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4) — Firefighters continue to respond to the Cherry Fire, burning in the Spanish Fork Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The fire is now estimated at 651 acres with 132 personnel assigned, according to Utah Fire Info.

While the fire experienced active growth yesterday, spreading mostly to the east, the area received a significant amount of rain overnight. The rainfall has greatly helped firefighting efforts and moderated fire behavior, officials said.

“Due to safety concerns related to wet and unstable conditions throughout the day, crews will assess the fire area this morning before committing firefighters to direct suppression activitiesm,” a Saturday morning update from Utah Fire Info states. “Air and ground resources remain ready to engage as conditions allow.”

Residents in the Right Hand and Left Hand Forks of Hobble Creek remain in “SET” evacuation status. Residents are asked to stay alert and be prepared should conditions change. The public is asked to continue to avoid the fire area for firefighter and public safety.

“Heat can remain in the ground, under the fuels even after heavy rains,” Utah Fire Info stated. “Forest Service Road 058 will remain closed to the junction of the FS Road 115, Trail 128, and Dry Canyon within the fire area will also be closed.”

The cause of the Cherry Fire is currently under investigation. No further information is available at this time.