Local Fires

Here in Northern Utah, we're not often hindered by too many wildfires. Sure, we get our 1,000 acre fire every other year or so, but we don't have too many fires 10,000 acres or more. Those typically happen in central or southern Utah. In fact, I've mapped close to 100,000 acres of burn scars in Utah this year.

We've had two fires in Northern Utah this week. Again, both were very small. One is currently burning up east of Brigham City, threatning Sardine Canyon, the major route of travel for access to Cache Valley and Logan. The winds shifted overnight and are now coming from the northwest, so now we've got an incredible stench comprised of lake stench (from the Great Salt Lake) and smoke. Not a good combination.

The other fire we've got up here burned about 200 acres on the east bench of the Wasatch Front just north of Parley's Canyon (I-80). It was a little guy, but there are some expensive homes just down slope of the fire, so it was of concern. We got some afternoon rain that moderated fire behavior a little. Some local residents were concerned about a lack of fire fighting resources, but folks have to realize this summer is an extrememly busy fire season. Resources are stretched thin across the country.