Yellow Lake Fire declared human-caused, grows to 2,474 acres

The Yellow Lake Fire. Photo: Wasatch Fire District

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — The Yellow Lake Fire in Wasatch County has scorched 2,474 acres and continues to challenge firefighters amid difficult conditions, U.S. Forest Service officials announced in a statement this morning. In a recent development, investigators have determined the blaze to be human-caused, though the specific circumstances remain under investigation.

The fire, raging through heavy timber east of Mill Hollow Reservoir on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, has been exacerbated by dry conditions and unseasonably late heat waves this fall. The fire remains 0% contained.

Firefighters are employing air support and fire retardant to slow the fire’s progression on its active north side. However, the current heat and dry fuels are causing the fire to slowly burn through retardant lines, complicating suppression efforts. Ground crews are being deployed where safe access is available.

 

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Structure protection efforts are underway at a YMCA camp and near a gas pipeline, with crews using bulldozers to expand existing fuel breaks.

The fire has prompted the closure of Highway 35, which will remain shut down for at least 24-72 hours for public and firefighter safety.

Officials are working with local agencies to address impacts on grazing allotments, logging operations, and other permitted activities in the area. Law enforcement is assisting in escorting recreationists to retrieve belongings from campgrounds within the closure zone.

Currently, 230 personnel are assigned to the fire, including ground crews, aircraft, engines, water tenders, and bulldozers. Fire managers expect this to be a longer duration event due to the terrain, topography, receptive fuels, and predicted weather.

UPDATED: Yellow Lake Fire prompts evacuations, reaches 1,500 acres

Yellow Lake Fire grows to 2,300 acres in Utah’s Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest