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Millcreek Canyon evacuation order lifted as crews get wildfire under control

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fire crews battle a fire near Millcreek Canyon, on Saturday, July 11, 2020, started near 3400 South Crestwood Dr., as helicopters, single engine air tankers and multiple crews respond.

At least two fires could be seen burning in the Salt Lake Valley on Saturday, including one that forced hikers and bikers out of Millcreek Canyon.

The Millcreek Canyon evacuation announcement came just before 7:30 p.m., about an hour and half after people first reported seeing smoke plumes rising near 3400 S. Crestwood Drive, a residential area just north of the mouth of the canyon near Interstate 215.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fire crews respond to a fire at Rocky Mountain Recycling South Salt Lake on Saturday, July 11, 2020.

It was rescinded by just after 8:45 p.m. Officials have named that blaze the Crestwood Fire. It had burned about 10 to 15 acres.

Meanwhile, another fire burned in South Salt Lake at Rocky Mountain Recycling, 3110 S. 900 West.

The National Weather Service announced a red flag warning for much of the southern and western parts of the state.

The warning — which is given when weather conditions are very dry and windy — is in place through Tuesday.

The NWS asked people to prevent wildfires by extinguishing campfires, obeying fire restrictions, properly throwing away cigarette butts and watching for sparks created by vehicles, like lawnmowers.

The parts of the state not under a red flag warning — like Provo, Salt Lake City, Wendover and Logan — were given a hazardous weather outlook because of predicted excessive heat.

In Salt Lake City on Sunday temperatures are expected to reach 97.

For information on local fire restrictions, visit utahfireinfo.gov.