Red Bridge Fire in eastern Utah signals the start of wildfire season

Red Bridge Fire south of Fort Duchesne in Uintah County. Photo: Courtesy of Utah Fire Info.

UTAH — As the remnants of the 2023 winter season come to a close, a harsh reminder of what comes next reared its ugly head when the Red Bridge Fire broke out on Sunday.

The first fire of the wildfire season is affecting an estimated 460 acres of land in river bottoms south of Fort Duchesne in Uintah County. The fire is within range of threatening residents and local infrastructure. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Among the many combating the fire are two Black Hawk helicopters operated by three-member crews from the Utah National Guard. The helicopters will use their firefighting water buckets to help contain the fire.

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NEW START: #RedBridgeFire started yesterday on BIA management area. Estimated 400 acres. Requesting assistance from Utah National Guard for air resources. Fire is threatening residents and infrastructure. The fire is in the River Bottoms south of Ft. Duchesne. pic.twitter.com/8sq5IuPFYI

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) April 24, 2023