Yellow Lake Fire controlled burns boost containment, smoke as closures stay until Oct. 31

Yellow Lake Fire closure orders. Photo: U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — Firefighters working to contain the Yellow Lake Fire conducted successful firing operations that increased smoke in the area but helped reduce available fuel and speed up containment efforts. According to Utah Fire Info, the fire is now 22% contained and covers approximately 2,593 acres.

“The firing operations were highly successful, and only one small spot fire occurred, but it remained within the planned perimeter,” said a Utah Fire Info Facebook post. “These operations allow fire to burn the understory in a mosaic pattern, leaving patches of green fuel between the burned areas, which decreases tree mortality,” the agency added.

In response to the ongoing activity, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a full closure of the Yellow Lake Fire Area, including roads, campgrounds, trails, and parking lots in the Heber-Kamas Ranger District. The closure, which began on October 3, will remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded earlier.

“The public is prohibited from entering the area, including all pedestrian, hiking, equestrian, bicycle, and motorized traffic,” according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service.

The closure encompasses several popular areas, including Wolf Creek and Mill Hollow Campgrounds, as well as stretches of Highway 150 and 35.