Single Publication

Yellow Lake Fire 
Incident Update October 14, 2024

Size at time of update: 31007
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 814
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Undetermined
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. this evening at the Tabiona School gymnasium to update conditions on the Yellow Lake Fire. It will be live-streamed on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forest Facebook pages.

On Sunday afternoon, weather conditions increased fire behavior near Iron Mine Road as winds from the South hit exposed areas of jackpot fuels comprised of concentrated beetle kill timber. The fire has not reached Iron Mine Road.  Quarter-mile spotting was observed but, the Soapstone Summer Homes near Mirror Lake Highway were not impacted.  Air operations were heavily deployed as the fire moved into stands of mixed conifer and dense aspen. Dozers continue to tie in fire line between Iron Mine Road and Soapstone Road. 

Fire activity on the east side also increased, eventually shading itself out.  Firefighters are observing the re-ignition of dead and down timber in what is known as “re-burn potential.”  Moderate torching of snags is being observed nightly. 

Above normal temperatures will continue through Wednesday, resulting in the further drying of fuels. A notable change in the weather is expected Thursday bringing freezing temperatures and a greater chance of precipitation. 

Patrol and structure protection continue in the North Fork of the Duchesne. Fireline between Rhodes Canyon and Lightning Ridge are being reinforced.

All evacuation orders and closures remain in effect.

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 This Order shall remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded.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 This closure will remain in place through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded, for public safety.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