Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Twitter:  @UtahWildfire

Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

The East Fork Fire is now 2,842 acres, an increase of 90 acres.  Fire activity has been minimal this week as a result of favorable weather conditions, including light precipitation and cloud cover.  There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms late this afternoon, ahead of a cold front expected to arrive on Sunday.

The fire is mostly spreading over the ground through dead, downed logs.  Firefighters have completed fireline along the southernmost edge of the fire, outside of the High Uintas Wilderness.  There is a high potential for additional fire growth once warmer and drier conditions return late next week.  Steep terrain and thick timber with standing, dead trees make it difficult for firefighters to safely work directly on the fire perimeter.  Crews will continue preparation work around structures at Moon Lake today.  They are thinning vegetation to make the buildings more defensible should the East Fork Fire or another fire ever near the lake.  Be aware if visiting the area this weekend of the increase in traffic along the Moon Lake Road.

Great Basin Team #4 is transitioning the fire to a smaller organization that will continue to monitor fire activity and remain prepared to protect infrastructure and private property.  A Type 3 Incident Commander will take command of the fire Saturday morning.  Fire resources will remain at Rock Creek, with support personnel working from the Duchesne Country Emergency Operations Center.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

WEEKEND REMINDER –  There is still a lot of open area to recreate this weekend.  Check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return.  And respect fire restrictions and any other requirements for the local area.

RED FLAG WARNING

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Twitter:  @UtahWildfire

Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

Wednesday was the third consecutive day without any measurable growth on the East Fork Fire.  Light precipitation and higher overnight humidity is limiting fire activity.  It continues to smolder through heavy dead and down timber, with a high potential to become more active as temperatures rise again.  Firefighters are making great progress on preparing structures and property in Rock Creek.  Today, crews will be working around Moon Lake to reduce heavy vegetation around the campground and facilities there.  Fire managers do not anticipate the fire will reach Moon Lake, but they are taking advantage of the assigned crews to complete the work that will improve the ability to protect Moon Lake from this or another fire in the future.

For firefighter and public safety, the area closure is not being reduced at this time.  It was a challenge to locate and evacuate hikers when the fire started last week, and fire managers don’t want to risk having to do so again.  If you are planning to head out to recreate this weekend, please check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, indicating the potential for rapid fire growth.  High winds and drier conditions will be prevalent throughout the region.  The East Fork Fire’s location, at a high elevation and in a north-south drainage, will likely shelter it from the highest winds.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Twitter:  @UtahWildfire

Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

For the second consecutive day, there was no measurable growth on the East Fork Fire.  Light precipitation fell on the fire yesterday and again during overnight.  Firefighters are taking advantage of the moderated weather conditions to prepare property in Rock Creek in case the fire were to reach the area.  Fire crews are thinning vegetation and using a chipper to spread the debris.  Larger diameter trees and branches are being stacked for removal further away from the location, including to be taken to nearby campgrounds for use by visitors.

Aircraft from the East Fork Fire assisted the Ashley National Forest on three small, lightning-caused fires near Moon Lake.  None of the new fires present a threat to the public at this time; additional information will be available on the Ashley National Forest Facebook page as appropriate.

The area closure remains in place.  No changes are anticipated soon.  Although fire activity has been minimal for multiple days now, the potential for rapid growth remains until significant rain or snow occurs on the fire. 

Anyone planning to visit the area should check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Always let someone know where you are going and when you will return.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.  Hunters, hikers, and others dispersed through the area are being located and advised of the current fire situation.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Twitter:  @UtahWildfire

Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

Minimal fire activity was observed in Rock Creek on the East Fork Fire again yesterday and there was no measurable growth.   Firefighters are focusing their efforts on the southern edge of the perimeter, where the fire has burned outside of the wilderness and closest to infrastructure and property.

The steep terrain and numerous standing dead trees within the wilderness area make it difficult to safely suppress the fire.  Additional growth is anticipated in the coming weeks as fire managers carefully identify locations where firefighters can safely work with the highest probability of successful containment.

Regional smoke continues to blanket the air, decreasing air quality.  A drier air mass is forecast to remain over the region through the rest of the week.  A dry cold front is expected Sunday, bringing stronger winds from the southwest.  Under these conditions, fire behavior should not increase too drastically.  However, until significant rain or snow covers the fire, fire activity may fluctuate with periods of increased fire activity during warmer and drier weather conditions.

Anyone planning to visit the area should check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Always let someone know where you are going and when you will return.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.  Hunters, hikers, and others dispersed through the area are being located and advised of the current fire situation.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/
Follow:  #EastForkFire
Twitter:  @UtahWildfire
Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

Light precipitation occurred over the East Fork Fire yesterday.  Cloud cover kept temperatures slightly cooler than expected, and the fire only grew 196 acres.  Inside the High Unitas Wilderness, the fire is playing its natural role in the ecosystem until significant rain or snow arrives to put it out.  Fire is essential for overall forest health.  It consumes excessive dead and down trees, inspires vegetative regrowth, and creates healthy wildlife habitat.  A mosaic pattern, meaning the fire burns at different intensities over a landscape, is the most desirable as it creates diversity in the age, type, and concentration of vegetation.

Outside of the wilderness, firefighters are constructing fireline and taking actions to minimize fire growth to the south.  Helicopters are dropping water on the fire area to support the firefighters working on the ground.  Fire crews are also preparing nearby properties and infrastructure for potential threat from the fire.  This work includes removing vegetation and installing sprinkler systems that can be turned on if needed.

Anyone planning to visit the area should check the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Always let someone know where you are going and when you will return.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.  Hunters, hikers, and others dispersed through the area are being located and advised of the current fire situation.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

RED FLAG WARNING

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516

or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Facebook:  @AshleyNationalForest

This morning, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #4, with Incident Commander Tim Roide, took command of the East Fork Fire.  The Team will establish an incident command post at the Duchasne County Fairgrounds to support the firefighters assigned to the fire.  Fire crews will be camping closer to the fire area, to limit travel back and forth each day.  Food and supplies will be delivered daily.

The reduction in acres from yesterday is the result of more accurate mapping that occurred overnight using infrared.  Updated maps will be produced once daily while Team #4 is assigned to the fire.

The East Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber within the High Uintas Wilderness.  The area has not had a large fire in about 50 years.  Numerous standing dead trees throughout the basin limit where firefighters can safely engage in fire suppression actions.  It is likely the fire will continue to burn for several weeks, until significant moisture occurs.  Actions will be taken to protection critical infrastructure, private property, and other assets.

Red Flag Warnings indicate weather conditions that can contribute to rapid fire spread.  The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning today for dry thunderstorms and gusty outflow winds.  Combined with low humidity and another day of high temperatures, this could lead to erratic fire behavior.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blindstream, Moonlake Road, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchasne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.  Hunters, hikers, and others dispersed through the area are being located and advised of the current fire situation.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  The High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] and Highline Trail (FST 025) to the Ashley National Forest boundary.  The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure.  The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area.  The Blindstream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed at the Forest boundary north of Hannah, Utah.  The Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

August 22, 2020

East Fork Fire Activity Increases

Duchesne, Utah … The East Fork Fire was very active today and grew 5,650 acres today during the active burning period is currently 6,500 acres with no containment, burning in heavy timber on the Duchesne-Roosevelt Ranger District of the Ashley National Forest.

The East Fork Fire grew to the North and East today with Extreme Uphill Runs, Running and Group Torching observed during the burning period in heavy timber.

A Type 2 Fire Management Team arrived this evening and will assume control of the fire tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. on August 23, 2020.

Evacuations of hikers from the closed portion of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail 061) which includes Brown Duck Basin and Granddaddy Basin was successful today and will continue tomorrow to identify and assist hikers in exiting the closed area.

Currently there are 138 firefighters assigned to the East Fork Fire, including three hand crews, four helicopters and three engines.

An expanded closure area has been announced that includes all of the High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) and High Line Trail (FST 025) to the Ashley National Forest Boundary.  The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure. The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area. The Blindstream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) will be closed at the Forest boundary north of Hannah, Utah.  The Rock Creek Road (FSR134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

-30-

August 22, 2020

East Fork Fire Leads to Evacuations in High Uintas Wilderness Area

Duchesne, Utah … The East Fork Fire is currently 850 acres with no containment and is approximately six tenths of a mile north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir on the Duchesne-Roosevelt Ranger District of the Ashley National Forest.

To ensure public safety 14 smokejumpers and the Forest Packer have been deployed into the High Uintas Wilderness Area to contact hikers and guide them out of the wilderness primarily through the Granddaddy and MoonLake Trailheads.

An expanded closure area has been announced that includes all of the High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) and High Line Trail (FST 025) to the Ashley National Forest Boundary.  The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure. The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area. The Blindstream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) will be closed at the Forest boundary north of Hannah, Utah.  The Rock Creek Road (FSR134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

The East Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber on the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. 

Due to the fire behavior observed yesterday which included torching and spotting with 50 foot flame lengths and rapid movement on all sides the Upper Stillwater Campground, Rock Creek Resort and Yellow Pine Campground were evacuated at approximately 7 p.m. last night in coordination with the Duchesne County Sheriff Department.

-30-

 ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: 435-781-5105

Louis Haynes, Public Affairs Officer

Web: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ashley

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AshleyNationalForest

August 21, 2020

East Fork Fire in Rock Creek Drainage in the High Uintas Wilderness Area

Duchesne, Utah … The East Fork Fire has been identified burning in the Rock Creek drainage about three miles North of Upper Stillwater Dam on the Duchesne-Roosevelt Ranger District of the Ashley National Forest.

Trail closures are in effect.

Rock Creek Trail number 069 from Trail 073 junction to Trail 071 junction, and Ottoson Trail number 063 from Rock Creek Trail number 069 to Trail 066 and Trail 065 junction have been closed for public safety and to allow firefighting traffic to access the fire area.

East Fork Fire Update 7pm August 21 2020

7:00 pm

Based on the rapid movement and extreme fire behavior of the East Fork Fire the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Department and Ashley National Forest have called for evacuations of the Upper Stillwater Campground and Rock Creek Resort.

 

6:20 pm.

East Fork Fire has grown to approximately 700 acres with 50 foot flame lengths in heavy timber on both sides of the canyon and is now six tenths of a mile from the water in Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Evacuations may take place at Upper Stillwater Campground and Rock Creek Resort this evening.

 

Update as of 5 pm august 21 2020

East Fork Fire is now approximately 400 to 500 acres (helicopter perimeter flight just in 5:35 pm) moving south down drainage towards Upper Stillwater Reservoir and campground and Rock Creek Resort.

A pre-evacuation notice is in place for Upper Stillwater Campground and Rock Creek Resort. The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Department will make on the ground notifications.

Rock Creek Trail number 069 from Trail 073 junction to Trail 071 junction, and Ottoson Trail number 063 from Rock Creek Trail number 069 to Trail 066 and Trail 065 junction have been closed for public safety and to allow firefighting traffic to access the fire area.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

-30-

From the Warm Springs Police Department:

Good Morning Warm Springs!  We received good news for the residential areas or Sid Walter Flat/Miller Flat.  The evacuation level for the area has decreased to a level 1.  Remember the level 1 is a "Be Prepared" level.  There is still active fire behavior in the area as crews work on containment lines of the Lionshead Fire.Simansho and Schoolie have no evacuation warnings in place.There is heavy smoke in the area of Hwy 26 with low visibility, drive with your headlights on so people can see you.  This is for your safety as well as the other drivers on the road.  There is a chance for rain in the area, so if traveling the roadways continue to use caution.The Warm Springs Tribal Police Department would like to thank the Pacific Northwest Team 3 for the work they have done to help keep our community safe as they transition from out of our area.  We would like to welcome Rocky Mountain Team 1, we look forward to working with you.To our local Warm Springs Fire Management Team, Natural Resource Office, thank you for your commitment to our communities safety and care for the natural resources!Thank you to the National Guard for coming to our community to assist in our public safety efforts.Last, but definitely not least, a thank you to the fire fighters on all the fire lines, you all are amazing and we appreciate you!  Stay safe out there.