Media Release

For Immediate Release

Cache County, Utah - August 14, 2013

8 am Update -- Millville Fire

A high wind event Tuesday evening created additional fire spread into unburned areas of fuel on the south end of the fire.  This required additional burnout operations from the Blacksmith’s Fork road.  The burnout successfully removed fuels between the road and the interior of the fire.  The fire remains north of the Blacksmith’ s Fork road.  The fire’s perimeter still remains largely unchanged, approximately 2250 acres has burned and is 20% contained.  The large areas of unburned fuel within the perimeter which creates the potential for spotting and poses a threat to containment is the greatest challenge to fire fighters

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Wednesday Fire crews will continue to work at securing the southern part of the fire along the Blacksmiths Fork road as well as keeping fire out of interior islands of unburned vegetation within critical drainages near the south and southeast flanks of the fire.  A Red Flag alert will be in effect beginning at 9am today through Thursday.  Due to the increased wind, coupled with the low humidity fire managers anticipate reoccurring spread from the interior similar to what occurred Tuesday evening.

The remaining fire activity is in very steep terrain making fire line construction extremely difficult.    Most of line work can only be effective either on ridge tops and along roads.  The work requires a compliment of helicopter water drops to be the most effective.  A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team continues managing the incident. 150 personnel are working on the fire, including five hand crews, five engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers are available.  Due to priorities on other fires in Northern Utah helicopters and air tankers are periodically called away from the fire to support other wildfire incidents. 

Millville Canyon remains closed. The road in Blacksmiths Fork Canyon is open to through traffic only.  People driving up the Blacksmiths Fork road must keep moving and not stop to observe the fire or watch fire-fighting operations.  Additional law enforcement presence will be in place to keep people from pulling off the Blacksmith’s Fork road in order to view the fire.

 The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning.

 Fire Information:

Larry Lucas

801-573-6622

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