Rocky Canyon Fire holds at East Canyon as crews brace for afternoon storms and fire growth

Smoke billows from the Rocky Canyon Fire as flames burn along a hillside near the roadway. Strategic firing operations from the Hogsback to East Canyon Dam held overnight, keeping the fire within its perimeter and protecting East Canyon State Park. Photo: Utah Fire Info

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Firefighters completed and held strategic firing operations from the Hogsback to the East Canyon Dam overnight, keeping the Rocky Canyon Fire within its perimeter, the Northern Utah Interagency Type 3 team said in a morning update Monday.

The fire’s edge began to cool around 3 a.m., and firefighters will work to mop up the area, Utah Fire Info said. The firing operations have continued to protect East Canyon State Park.

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The fire remains at 0% containment and over 13,000 acres as of Monday morning. The team said the fire has grown and expects a mapping mission later today to document the increased acreage.

Protection of the I-80/I-84 junction is the priority. There is still potential for growth on the fire’s southeast corner, which officials called an especially significant area of concern with possible impact to the junction. Crews are going direct as much as possible, using dozers and ground crews, with aircraft supporting all areas of the fire where needed.

Crews are seeing success on the southwest edge along Highway 66 to Morgan, where they will continue to mop up and protect structures. On the western edge, crews are working to secure the fire line. If conditions continue, officials said there may be some containment around the East Canyon area soon.

On the north and east perimeter, the fire crossed Franklin Canyon. The area is especially difficult to access, and crews are going as direct as possible to slow progression and protect structures.

Weather is a significant concern Monday. Isolated thunderstorms are predicted across the fire area throughout the day, becoming more likely around 2 p.m., with the potential for sustained 45 mph winds and lightning.

Helicopters have also begun pulling water from Rockport State Park to assist fire crews. Visitors are strictly prohibited from going past the shoreline while fire operations are underway, and all boat ramps are temporarily closed until further notice, park officials said. The park remains open for land-based activities. Officials asked visitors to adhere to all posted closures and keep clear of the water to give incoming aircraft space to operate safely.

Additional information is available at summitcounty.info/emergency and Utah Fire Info.