The Deer Creek Fire burning near Old La Sal in San Juan County is at 4,000 acres with zero containment, one day after it broke out Thursday afternoon between Upper and Lower Two Mile Road near Highway 46.
According to Utah Interagency Fire, some structures were impacted, but it is not clear whether they were homes or outbuildings. The fire “remained active throughout the early morning hours on Friday with isolated single-tree torching.” Crews worked to strengthen containments lines on the ridgeline above Highway 46.
They are using natural rock outcroppings as fuel breaks. Bulldozers are being used to cut fire breaks in areas they can access.
The weather isn’t cooperating as the conditions are “hot and dry” with wind gusts up to 20 mph.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Highway 46 was closed Thursday afternoon. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday advised residents living within five miles of the fire or in Mountain Shadow Estates to evacuate. The La Sal Community Center, about 10 miles away, is open for people to get out of the heat.
-Doug McMurdo
This story was first published by The Times-Independent.
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