This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Though many fires in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest are still active, only the Peterson Hollow Fire required "significant suppression efforts" Thursday.
In contrast, firefighters have been managing the four other wildfires and allowing them to "perform their natural role in controlling fuel build-up and rejuvenating vegetation," according to news releases from the U.S. Forest Service.
The 1,121-acre Peterson Hollow Fire, which began Sunday just north of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, grew about 50 acres from Wednesday to Thursday, according to releases. It was 10 percent contained Thursday, authorities said.
Crews of 220 firefighters, three air tankers and three helicopters fought the fire Wednesday and Thursday, releases said. Limited road access has increased the need for aerial support for fire suppression and supply drops to crews, releases said.
Strong winds, with swirling gusts between 18 and 20 mph, picked up Wednesday afternoon, releases said, spreading the fire east and north. The blaze was still actively burning both sides of Sink Hollow on Thursday, releases said, but forecasts predicted less severe weather.
Area closures remained north of Highway 89 between Peterson Hollow drainage to the eastern border of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Forest, releases said, and Peterson Hollow, Highline, Beaver Creek and Sink Hollow Trails were closed.
Firefighters have made protecting structures at Beaver Mountain Resort a priority, releases said, and crews also worked to keep the fire east of Peterson Hollow drainage and north of Beaver Mountain. Agencies have collaborated in firefighting efforts, releases said.
Officials also noted that while smoke is visible from Garden City, "the fire remains a safe distance from towns and structures." Visitors should expect to see smoke in all wildfire areas and at the Hoop Lake prescribed burn, releases said.
The following fires were fully contained and being managed by small crews:
• Mineral Fork Fire | 12 acres | Mineral Fork drainage of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
• Box Canyon Fire | 2,850 acres | about 12 miles east of Oakley.
• Andrews Ridge Fire | 2 acres | Mount Nebo Wilderness on the Spanish Fork Wilderness.
• Hoop Lake Prescribed Burn | 300 acres | south of Lone Tree, Wyo., on the northern side of the Uinta Mountains.
For more details on large Utah wildfires, check Inciweb.
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