Wildfire sparks overnight near Mount Timpanogos, forces campground evacuation

Smoke swirls around Mount Timpanogos as the Timp Fire burns Friday morning. Photo: Utah Fire Info

AMERICAN FORK, Utah — A wildfire that ignited late Thursday near the Timpooneke Campground at the base of Mount Timpanogos has grown to five acres and remains 0% contained as of Friday morning, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Fire crews were first dispatched at 11:47 p.m. Thursday to what was reported as an unknown-sized vegetation fire. By 2:10 a.m. Friday, the fire had reached one acre before expanding to five acres by 8:25 a.m.

“Firefighters are making an aggressive initial attack with multiple helicopters and numerous ground firefighting resources,” Utah Fire Info said in a social media post.

An immediate evacuation order was issued for all camps at Timpooneke Campground and along Timpooneke Road.

The Lone Peak Fire Department has since transferred command of the incident to the U.S. Forest Service. Officials say 11 engines and three helicopters are assigned to the fire.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has also closed public access to Tibble Fork Reservoir so helicopters can use the reservoir as a water source for firefighting operations.

“Firefighters are working to contain the fire as quickly and safely as possible,” Utah Fire Info said. “Please follow all closures and directions from law enforcement and fire personnel.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.