Willow Creek Fire June 12, 2018

WILLOW CREEK FIRE

Heber City, Utah, June 12, 2018 – The Willow Creek Fire, located north of Highway 40 and Strawberry reservoir on the Heber-Kamas Ranger District has burned 650 acres and is 10% containment. The fire has been determined as lightning caused and was reported on June 6th.  There are no threats to structures, campgrounds, or powerlines.

Firefighters are using modified suppression techniques on the Willow Creek Fire, meaning certain areas of the fire will continue to burn, while being monitored by fire crews. The public may see an increase in smoke in the area in the afternoon, due to these firing tactics.

This lightning-caused fire will help regenerate aspen growth and minimize fire effects in critical sage-grouse habitat. In other areas of the fire, firefighters will continue suppression efforts, to preserve the values at risk. The main priority is firefighter and public safety.

The fire is burning in heavy timber, with thick understory vegetation. Personnel and resources assigned include three engines, one 20-person hotshot crew, one 20-person initial attack crew and one helicopter.  Total personnel on the fire is 85.

An temporary area closure has been implemented north of Highway 40, west of Co-op Creek road (area closure includes Forest Service roads #451 and #393), south of Bjorkman Hollow road and east of Strawberry River road (area closure includes Forest Service roads #389 and #735).  This area will be closed for public and firefighter safety. The Bjorkman Hollow road is closed.   Co-op Creek road will remain open up to the seasonal closure gate.  Strawberry River road will also remain open.  A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented.

Photo taken by Zack Beerman

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