Single Publication

Yellow Lake Fire 
Incident Update October 20, 2024

Size at time of update: 33,041 Acres
Containment: 31%
Personnel: 396
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Human Caused (Under Investigation)
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

Fire crews hope to enter the fire area today to continue rehabilitation projects and assess hot spots.  Heavy equipment has been held back to alleviate additional damage – the weight of the equipment would cause deep ruts within the fire area and along muddy roads.  The ground did not dry out significantly yesterday and a chance of precipitation exists again this afternoon. As ground conditions improve, the fire perimeter will be reassessed, and containment percentage will likely rise.

During a community meeting in Kamas yesterday afternoon, Forest Service representatives were questioned about a timeline for re-entry into the closure areas of public lands.  Forest managers explained they are working to allow public access as soon as it is safe to do so. Snags weakened by fire and beetle kill pose the biggest threat to public entry.  Firefighter saw crews are patrolling the area as weather and ground conditions allow and hazard trees are being removed as they find them.  Due to the expanse of the fire area, rough terrain, ground conditions and weather delays, the process may take a while. 

Isolated hot spots remain in several areas. Unwary forest visitors also risk the chance of stepping into stump holes that may be smoldering beneath the ground. This can sometimes cause serious burn injuries.  This is a common risk that firefighters are trained to be aware of.

A community meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon at the Tabiona School gymnasium.  California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 has begun the process of transitioning management of the Yellow Lake Fire back to the Ashley and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests. 

Evacuation orders for Wasatch and Duchesne Counties were lifted on October 19th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. - Forest closures remain in effect.

Forest Closures: 

• Updated October 18, 2024, the Yellow Lake Fire closure area has been reduced on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This Order shall remain in effect until November 25, 2024, unless rescinded.
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208350.pdf
• Updated October 18, 2024, the Yellow Lake Fire closure area has been reduced on the Ashley National Forest. This closure will remain in place through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded.

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