Mandatory evacuations are in effect Saturday evening after three separate fires are reported to be burning near the Jordanelle Reservoir.
The Fox Bay Condominiums, the Lodge at Stillwater, and Jordanelle State Park have been evacuated, according to Wasatch County authorities. Jordanelle State Park is closed until further notice.
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Wasatch County dispatchers began receiving reports just before 3 p.m. Saturday of three small fires in the Jordanelle Basin, according to Park City officials. Fire crews arrived within minutes, but high winds helped to fuel the fires, which had grown to 500 acres by Saturday night.
It is estimated that the fire was 5 percent contained as of 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Two helicopter units and four airplanes are assisting Saturday in containing the blaze.
Previous evacuations of Deer Crest have been lifted, according to Park City officials. The area was initially evacuated as a precaution due to erratic winds.
Evacuees can go to JR Smith Elementary at 500 N. 150 East in Heber City.
Nearly 2,000 homes were without power throughout Wasatch County for about five hours because of the blaze. Rocky Mountain Power spokesman Jeff Hymas said crews were able to reroute power Saturday evening and restored power to residents at 10:06 p.m. Once the fire is under control, Hymas said crews will work to fix the damaged lines.
"There have been some power poles burned by the fire," he said. "We are unable to access the area because the fire is still burning, so we haven’t been able to completely assess the damage yet."Smoke from the fires has closed the westbound lane of Highway 40. Park City officials are asking that those driving in the area keep traffic flowing on Highway 40, and not stop to take photos of the fire.
The fire has also created disruptions in water distribution for Park City residents. City officials ask that residents refrain from outside watering until Monday.
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The Salt Lake Tribune will provide more information as it becomes available.
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