Blue Creek fire burning on West Rim of Zion National Park causes closures

SPRINGDALE, Utah (ABC4) — The Blue Creek Fire that is burning on the West Rim of Zion National Park has grown to 25 acres, and it has caused closures within the park.

According to a news release from the National Park Service (NPS), the fire was reported to park staff around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. The fire was not caused by humans; NPS said that a lightning strike sparked the Blue Creek Fire.

The fire has caused closures within the park. Lava Point Road is temporarily closed, and so is the West Rim Trail. The trail is closed between Scout Lookout and Lava Point.

The fire is currently estimated at 25 acres in size. Yesterday, it was reported at 10 acres in size, so it grew 15 acres overnight. When it was first reported, it was sized at 0.1 acre.

Wildland firefighters are responding to the fire, with firefighters from the National Park Service and other agencies attacking the fire. Currently, 25 firefighters and one helicopter have been deployed. The helicopter has been conducting water drops.

According to Utah Fire Info, the fire is difficult to access, and it requires a five-mile hike to get to it. As of Tuesday, the fire was not threatening any structures, and it is 0% contained.

Other major wildfires currently burning in Utah include the Buckley Draw Fire, which is currently 95% contained at 424 acres in size, and the Cherry Fire, which is 91% contained at approximately 540 acres in size.