Rocky Canyon Fire grows to 1,800 acres, prompting evacuations at East Canyon State Park

A massive smoke column rises from the Rocky Canyon Fire burning in the East Canyon area Photo: Summit County Sheriff’s Office

MORGAN COUNTY, Utah — The Rocky Canyon Fire burning in the East Canyon area has grown to just over 1,800 acres, prompting an evacuation order for the north end of East Canyon State Park and placing two homes on the Morgan/Summit County line in “Ready” status Friday evening.

East Canyon State Park shared an evacuation order at 5:30 p.m. for the park’s north end, including Dixie Creek Campground and day-use areas. All visitors in those areas were instructed to leave immediately.

Two structures on the Morgan/Summit County line have been placed in “Ready” status for evacuation, Morgan County Emergency Management said. No other evacuation statuses are in place in either county. Officials advised residents in the immediate vicinity to gather important documents and prepare their homes, and said those with livestock near the fire that may take time to move could begin relocating animals now.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said at 5 p.m. that no evacuation orders or advisories are in effect for Summit County. Fire crews are staging in the Henefer area for access to the incident.

Several road closures are in effect:

• Highway 66 is closed to all traffic.
• Highway 65 is closed from Henefer.
• Highway 65 from Parleys Canyon remains open and is currently the only active route to and from East Canyon State Park.

Facilities along Highway 65, including Big Rock Campground, River’s Edge, Mormon Flats and Large Spring Group Campground, remain open and unaffected. Campers with current reservations who are leaving the park may relocate to the beach at Echo State Park free of charge.

Morgan County Emergency Management will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. Friday in the auditorium of the County Building, 48 W. Young St., to provide updates on the fire.