Dollar Ridge Fire Update – July 2
The Dollar Ridge Fire started yesterday at about 1 p.m. on private property in Wasatch County. Local resources responded and took immediate action to suppress the fire; however, with windy conditions and steep terrain, it grew to 6,600 acres by evening. The fire started about 4.5 miles southeast of Strawberry Reservoir and quickly grew to the east and into Duchesne County. Air tankers and helicopters were used to cool the fire and enable crews to directly work the fire line, but fire behavior made it too hot for crews to access. The smoke column was visible from as far away as Moab and Park City.
As the fire advanced, the Wasatch and Duchesne county sheriff’s offices coordinated with fire managers to determine evacuation areas and up to 10 cabins in Wasatch County were under evacuation while several homes five miles to the east in Duchesne County were put on pre-evacuation notice.
As additional resources were ordered, a complexity analysis was done and the decision was made to order a Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT). The team is scheduled to arrive today and could take command of the fire as early as tomorrow.
Today, crews are being assigned in areas where containment lines can be built. Helicopters will also be working to support firefighting efforts on the ground. Some containment is expected.
