Single Publication

Oct 2, 2024— Fire behavior on the #YellowLakeFire remains active. It is currently at 2,474 acres and still 0% contained. 

Northwest winds began to push the fire east/southeast yesterday, causing the fire to spot near Heart Lake. The fire established in a timber stand, increasing fire activity. Firefighters strategically attacked this spot fire, utilizing helicopters with buckets where successful to cool the flames. Campers and recreationists were asked to evacuate the area north of the West Fork of the Duchesne Ridge, and the closure will be extended to include this portion of the Forest. 

The fire is still slowly burning through the retardant line on the eastern perimeter. Crews continue to enhance the fuel breaks along the eastern perimeter, as well as near the YMCA camp, by thinning vegetation and utilizing bulldozers. While some of the fire has spotted across these lines, for the most part the current perimeter is not seeing significant growth on the east and west sides. The north side of the fire continues to see activity, though it is currently burning in smaller diameter vegetation and open meadows, slowing progression. 

This remains a full suppression fire but with the current conditions and growth, it will likely be a longer duration fire due to the terrain, topography, receptive fuels, and weather. The forecast continues to predict hot, dry, and windy conditions with no moisture predicted. Despite crews making progress, these conditions inhibit containment. 

Fire managers are working with their cooperators and respective county and local agencies to coordinate impact on grazing allotments, logging, and other permittee concerns. They are also working with law enforcement to escort recreationists to retrieve their belongings in the campgrounds and in the closure area.

Highway 35 remains closed, for both public and firefighter safety. This closure will remain for at least 24-48 more hours, until fire activity decreases and road conditions can be assessed. 

The fire has been determined to be human caused, but it is still under investigation. More information will be released once the final investigation report has been finalized. 

The Yellow Lake Fire is located east of Mill Hollow Reservoir on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Currently, there are 390 personnel assigned to the fire, including ground crews, aircraft, engines, water tenders, and bulldozers.