Single Publication

Yellow Lake Fire 
Incident Update October 12, 2024

Size at time of update: 26,197
Containment: 21%
Personnel: 848
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Undetermined
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

Full suppression strategy continues today on the Yellow Lake Fire using ground crews, supported by numerous aircraft.  Five scooper planes worked throughout the day on Friday dropping water to slow fire progression on the east side of the fire. Retardant drops were also used where needed. This allows ground crews to safely enter more active portions of the fire. Dozer and hand lines can then be constructed down to the soil level where water and retardant often cannot reach due to tree canopy, brush, ground litter, and other obstructions.  The north and east sides remain most active and are the current priorities.

Eight log decks have been destroyed within timber sale areas. They are considered “structures” according to reporting requirements but, no building structures have been damaged to date. 

Fire crews were able to catch a spot fire overnight on Iron Mine Mountain. This fire line is being reinforced today.

Burning snags, isolated interior torching and wind driven runs will occur today as southwest winds dominate fire behavior.  Smoke plumes are anticipated.  Wind direction should be favorable on the south edge of the fire.  Increased spotting potential could occur today if opposing canyon winds in the North Fork of the Duchesne drainage clash with southwest winds.

Minimal activity has been observed on the west side of the fire perimeter.   

A public meeting to present information on the Yellow Lake Fire is planned for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13th, at the Kamas Middle School Auditorium.

Forest Closures: 

• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure has been increased on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This Order shall remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208350.pdf
• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure has been increased on the Ashley National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This closure will remain in place through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded, for public safety.

Evacuation Areas: The North and West Forks of the Duchesne River, and Granddaddy Lakes area are under a mandatory GO evacuation meaning all residents, hunters, and recreationists must leave and stay out of the area. Hanna is under a SET order, advising residents to have bags packed and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. 

For updated evacuation zones, please visit: 

https://emergency-management-operations-wasatch.hub.arcgis.com/

https://tricountyemergencyalert.genasys.com/portal/en

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208878.pdf