Brian Head, Utah Evacuated Due To Fire

Approximately 750 residents and visitors were evacuated Saturday from Brian Head, Utah. At least one home has been lost and another damaged from a fire that has been estimated to be over 500 acres as of Saturday, and on Sunday morning has grown to well over 900 acres. It is currently 0% contained. The fire was human caused and is still under investigation. There are at least 100 homes that officials believe to be in danger.

Read continuing Coverage of the fire here.

Another source for news on the fire here.

UPDATE: 3:02 PM AZ time

A video of a firefighting aircraft dropping fire retardant on the fire. Here

Closures: Highway 143: Closed at Second Left Hand Canyon Road to the junction of Highway 148 near Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The entire Media Release on the Brian Head Fire:

For Immediate Release

June 17, 2017, 8:00A.M.

Contact: Brian Head Fire Call (435) 680-2405

Dixie National Forest – Brian Head Fire

Brian Head, Utah – Firefighters from local, state and federal agencies are working diligently to suppress the Brian Head Fire, located near the town of Brian Head, Utah. Firefighter’s first priority is public and firefighter safety. They are working to protect structures and homes in the area. The town of Brian Head is under evacuation orders. 750 people have been evacuated so far. Highway 143 is closed from Second Left Hand Canyon to the junction of Highway 148 near Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The fire has been determined to be human caused but remains under investigation. One home has been destroyed and one home damaged. Multiple homes are still threatened as well as a critical watershed.

A GPS flight yesterday evening estimates the fire to be approximately 957 acres. The fire showed slow movement throughout the night. Aerial resources will be utilized today. Helicopters and planes will be dropping fire retardant near the fire perimeter to slow the progression of the fire. There is a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) in place over the fire area. Hand crews are beginning to engage with fireline construction where they safely can do so.

The fire is being managed by a Color Country Type 3 Incident Management Team. 115 personnel are assigned to the fire including engines from multiple agencies, (Air Attack)1 Type III Helicopter, 4 Type I Air Tankers, 1 VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker), 6 SEAT planes (Single Engine Air Tanker), and multiple overhead. A Great Basin Type 2 Team is on order and expected this afternoon.

The incident management team is deploying firefighters where they can work safely and be most effective in suppressing the fire and protecting the community.

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For more information on fires in Utah visit www.utahfireinfo.gov.

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