GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 19, 2018. The North Eden Fire started the afternoon of August 16th. Fire crews from Rich County, Woodruff, Garden City, State of Utah and US Forest Service responded. During initial attack, multiple wind shifts drove the fire into dense grass plains which caused rapid fire growth that quickly outpaced firefighter efforts as the fire spread to the east. Two wildland fire engines were destroyed by the fire as their crews retreated to safety. A bulldozer was used to secure the west side of the fire and growth in that direction has been minimal.
Aircraft, including scooper planes, helicopters, single engine air tankers (SEATs), Heavy Air Tankers and a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) were put into use early on. The fire jumped roads and retardant lines and progressed eastward growing to 10,000 acres. By the evening, the fire reached the Wyoming and Idaho borders. At last estimate, the fire was approximately 6 miles from Cokeville, WY. It was nearing a new subdivision of homes.
Fire managers from Federal, State and Local agencies in all three states are coordinating the suppression effort.
Fire managers from Federal, State and Local agencies in all three states are coordinating the suppression effort.
This afternoon of August 17th, the fire was 20% contained and had burned 14,000 acres of State and private land in Utah and BLM land in Wyoming and Idaho. Several power line structures have burned and crews from Rocky Mountain Power worked on repairs throughout the day . There were a number of ranching operations and structures that were threatened. Fire managers are advising those near the fire area to be prepared in case a call to evacuate is made. No structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported.
Local officials are now working to protect their community. Friday night the North Eden fire was four miles from reaching a small subdivision, known as the West Side, about a mile south of Cokeville, Wyoming. Lincoln County fire warden Kelly Hoffman says the wind changed directions last night, directing the fire away from the subdivision. Crews are working on fire breaks within two miles of the homes adding to the fire break work that was done last year.
The North Eden fire burning in three states is currently 13, 763 acres and 50% contained. Yesterday minimal fire activity occurred. Rain and cool temperatures helped firefighters secure line along the north and west flanks of the fire and prevented further growth to the south and the east. High winds tested fire lines, but fire activity was confined to inside the existing perimeter.
Today, crews will begin mop up and rehabilitation efforts. Fire managers released all aviation resources and one hand crew. This interagency operation succeeded due to the work of volunteer firefighters from the local communities and county, state, and federal government resources.
Until the fire is contained, road closures are in effect: North Eden, South Eden, Left Fork of Laketown Canyon, Christy Canyon, Rabbit Creek and other roads leading into the fire area.
Full containment is expected in the next few days. There were 15 engines used and 2 dozers as well as airplanes and helicopters.
Local officials are now working to protect their community. Friday night the North Eden fire was four miles from reaching a small subdivision, known as the West Side, about a mile south of Cokeville, Wyoming. Lincoln County fire warden Kelly Hoffman says the wind changed directions last night, directing the fire away from the subdivision. Crews are working on fire breaks within two miles of the homes adding to the fire break work that was done last year.
The North Eden fire burning in three states is currently 13, 763 acres and 50% contained. Yesterday minimal fire activity occurred. Rain and cool temperatures helped firefighters secure line along the north and west flanks of the fire and prevented further growth to the south and the east. High winds tested fire lines, but fire activity was confined to inside the existing perimeter.
Today, crews will begin mop up and rehabilitation efforts. Fire managers released all aviation resources and one hand crew. This interagency operation succeeded due to the work of volunteer firefighters from the local communities and county, state, and federal government resources.
Until the fire is contained, road closures are in effect: North Eden, South Eden, Left Fork of Laketown Canyon, Christy Canyon, Rabbit Creek and other roads leading into the fire area.
Full containment is expected in the next few days. There were 15 engines used and 2 dozers as well as airplanes and helicopters.
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