Firefighters make progress as Yellow Lake Fire reaches 2,560 acres

Yellow Lake Fire. Photo: Wasatch Fire District

Crews focus on protecting structures as Highway 35 remains closed

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — The Yellow Lake Fire has grown to 2,560 acres and is now 6% contained, according to an update from Utah Fire Info late Wednesday evening. Fire crews are reporting slow growth around much of the perimeter, but they have made progress, particularly near Heart Lake and the fire’s southwest edge.

Crews have been working to hold the fire along the northeast side near a gas pipeline, which has been largely successful. However, Highway 35 remains closed as fire activity continues near the roadway, with conditions being reassessed daily.

The human-caused fire was first reported on Saturday, Sept. 28, in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, east of Mill Hollow Reservoir. While the exact cause is still under investigation, U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Sierra Hellstrom emphasized that, unlike naturally caused wildfires, full suppression tactics are being used due to current forest conditions and other risk factors.

On Monday, crews began implementing structure protection near the YMCA camp and along the gas pipeline. Heavy machinery was used to clear combustible materials, including trees and deadfall, to create barriers to slow the fire’s spread.