New evacuations ordered in Yellow Lake Fire

A section of smoking trees along Route 35 on October 8, 2024. Photo: TownLift // Marina Knight

FRANCIS, Utah – An area close to the community of Hanna, Zone DUU-005-B, is now under an Evacuation order, and the community of Hanna itself (Zone DUU-005-A) is under an evacuation warning.

The changes were ordered Wednesday afternoon.

“Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access,” the evacuation order reads.

A smoke inversion has settled into surrounding valleys, bringing some ash, but officials at Utah Fire Info say this does not indicate increased fire activity or threat.

Variable winds continue to keep firefighters vigilant, particularly in areas where fire activity has threatened structures along the North Fork of Duchesne Ridge. No structures have been lost thus far within any part of the fire.

Firefighters are making progress near Soapstone Road. The area has seen minimal fire growth, and mop-up operations are underway. In the Heart Lake area, the southwest corner remains challenging due to high heat despite air support. On the southeast side, a retardant line has strengthened the fuel break along Highway 35, and firefighters may conduct additional firing operations as conditions permit.

Three scooper planes were utilized throughout Wednesday afternoon, dipping out of Strawberry Reservoir. Fire personnel reminded the public that while air attack supports ground crews, it does not suppress highly active fires.

The Yellow Lake Fire is at 19,903 acres under 21% containment.