Single Publication

Size at time of update: 33,041 Acres
Containment: 45%
Personnel: 244
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Human Caused (Under Investigation)
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

As the area dries out between storms, firefighters on Yellow Lake Fire continue to experience smoldering, creeping, and single tree torching. Most of this activity is occurring within the interior and not threatening the line, but there are still significant heat sources showing on the infrared flights. 

Temperatures rose to 60 degrees yesterday and are expected to again today, with low humidity. Thankfully, winds were not as strong, allowing crews to continue to directly suppress heat sources.

Containment will likely continue to creep upwards, as crews work their way around the uncontained perimeter. Most of the areas of uncontained line are in steep, rugged terrain that is difficult to access. Firefighters walk the perimeter cold-trailing, using their hand to feel for heat sources and drown and stir any that are identified. 

Firefighters continue to work in the contained portions of the fire to repair the areas from damage from the fire as well as suppression efforts, such as dozerline and handline. Heavy equipment has been assisting crews in rehabilitating these areas to minimize the impact and visibility of these lines. 

As the Northern Utah Team works diligently, full containment is not likely going to be reached before the predicted storm arrives Monday. These winter storms assist in cooling and slowing the fire, as was seen with the storm last week. However, rain and snow also limit crew access to the fire. The heavy equipment will work until Monday, when it will be removed due to the incoming snow. 

The Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team will have an intensive few days on the ground as they assess damage done by the fire. More snow is expected on Monday night around the footprint of the fire. The BAER team hopes to have some of their site visits completed by the next snow. 

 To request a permit to access property within the forest closures to retrieve important items, livestock, or winterize buildings, please contact the liaison officer at 2024.yellowlake.liaison@firenet.gov. 

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 This Order shall remain in effect until November 25, 2024, unless rescinded.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/alerts/uwcnf/alerts-notices
   
• Updated October 19, 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. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ashley/alerts-notices