InciWebPack Creek Fire Update June 19
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Publication Type: News
Pack Creek Fire Update
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Or Nick_Howell@Firenet.gov
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0
Start Date: June 9, 2021
Cause: Abandoned campfire
Size in Acres: 8,938
Percent Contained: 43%
Est. Cost to Date: $6.1 mil.
Helicopters: 10
Engines: 26
Crews: 16
Total Personnel: 578
Summary:
Friday’s forecasted dry lightning ignited three new wildfires in the vicinity of the Pack Creek Fire; two of the fires were near Monticello and the third was on private property near Carpenter Ridge, approximately four miles east of the Pack Creek fire perimeter. Initial attack resources from the Pack Creek Fire responded to all three fires and will continue to work throughout the day to establish containment lines around them.
The Red Flag Warning was extended into today and weather conditions are forecasted to be similar to Friday with increased gusty winds both in the fire area and the Moab valley. Despite the challenging conditions, overall containment on the Pack Creek Fire increased to 43 percent. A masticator, a machine that grinds vegetation, is working on Warner Lake Road, removing heavy vegetation along both sides of the road. The masticator is an effective hazardous fuels reduction tractor designed to construct fuel breaks for contingency firelines. Chainsaw teams are working along Geyser Pass Road, manually removing hazard trees in anticipation of reopening access to the La Sal Mountains when safe to do so. There are areas of the road that are currently impassable due to downed trees and crews are working to clear the road and right of way to ensure safe access to the popular recreation area.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest Closure remains in place and the entire area remains closed for any type of access or recreation. The forest closure can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mantilasal/alerts-notices. Residents of lower and upper Pack Creek, Buried Hatchet and Whispering Oaks may access their property via the southside of the La Sal Loop Road with proof of residency. The La Sal Loop Road remains closed to the general public. Evacuations remain in place in and around the area east of Geyser Pass, from Blue Lake to the east towards the Dark Canyon area.
Investigators are still seeking leads to help identify those responsible for the fire’s ignition. Anyone who has information related to the identification of the responsible party of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.
Evacuation Order East of Geyser Pass from Blue Lake through Dark Canyon
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Publication Type: Closures
Pack Creek Fire Evacuation update 06/13/2021
6/13/2021 Pack Creek Fire Evacuation Order
The San Juan County Sheriff, Jason Torgerson, under the authority of Utah Code Annotated 17-22-2 hereby orders the evacuation of all private property in and around the area East of Geyser Pass on LaSal Mountains, from Blue Lake down through Dark Canyon area. We have been notified that the Pack Creek Fire has breached the Geyser Pass road and therefore, for the safety of all citizens, we ask that you evacuate at this time while it is safe to do so. Failure to evacuate at this time is at your own risk and your safety cannot be guaranteed.
Pack Creek Fire Update June 18
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Publication Type: News
Pack Creek Fire Update
Friday, June 18, 2021
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Or Nick_Howell@Firenet.gov
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0
Start Date: June 9, 2021
Cause: Abandoned campfire
Size in Acres: 8,531
Percent Contained:36%
Est. Cost to Date:$5.2 mil.
Helicopters:10
Engines:23
Crews:16
Total Personnel: 556
Summary:
Firefighters had another successful day as the fire is now 36 percent contained. Increased relative humidity helped fire suppression efforts by moderating fire behavior. The fire was active today near Oowah Lake, Haystack Mountain and Geyser Pass. Despite the reduction of smoke, the fire remains active. Vegetation in the fire area remains critically dry while crews continue to remain vigilant to changing conditions. Drift smoke from neighboring states again may be visible throughout Grand and San Juan Counties.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for predicted dry lightning. Extreme burning conditions are expected to exist through Saturday. Some personnel working on the Pack Creek Fire will be available for initial attack to respond to any new fire starts.
Storms materialized over the east side of the La Sals yesterday however, the fire area did not receive any measurable amount of rain. Crews took advantage of the cooler temperatures, cloud cover and favorable east winds and successfully executed a firing operation in Geyser Pass starting south of Mount Mellenthin and moving north, completing control line construction incorporating natural barriers such as large rock screes that are void of vegetation as much as possible. Fire engine crews assigned to the night shift will monitor and patrol the east side of the fire, in addition to Oowah Lake.
Today crews will continue working in the Geyser Pass area, continuing the firing operations as favorable conditions allow. Crews will also continue to secure the perimeter above Oowah Lake on the north and near Squaw Springs on the south.
Investigators are still seeking leads to help identify those responsible for the fire’s ignition. Anyone who has information related to the identification of the responsible party of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337. # # #
Pack Creek Fire Update June 17
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Publication Type: News
Pack Creek Fire Update
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Or Nick_Howell@Firenet.gov
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0
Cause: Abandoned campfire
Size in Acres:8,518
Percent Contained:30%
Est. Cost to Date:$4.4 mil.
Helicopters:11
Engines:26
Crews:16
Total Personnel:561
Crews continue to see active fire behavior primarily in the Geyser Pass, Oowah Lake, Mill Creek, Horse Creek, and Squaw Springs area. The focus of operations for the Pack Creek Fire continues to be the Oowah Lake and Geyser Pass areas. Mitigating fire activity on the northeast side of Haystack Mountain is a priority to prevent the fire from spreading north and becoming established in the Dry Fork of Mill Creek.
In addition, crews increased containment in upper Pack Creek and south of Brumley Creek. In areas where crews cannot safely engage in direct attack, such as the steep slopes of Hell Canyon and Mount Mellenthin, they are looking at natural barriers to contain fire spread and keep the fire in check with air resources as necessary.
Firefighters will also continue clearing hazard trees along Geyser Pass Road in anticipation of reopening the road as soon as safe to do so. Fire Managers are also evaluating the partial reopening of the La Sal Loop Road, balancing safety and public access.
Cloud cover will increase throughout the day today with predicted full cloud cover by this evening. The cloud cover and the continued uptick in relative humidity will help reduce fire behavior, but the cloud cover will also hold heat in the valley floor with an excessive heat warning continuing through Friday. The slight threat of dry thunderstorms increases today and Friday with potential red flag conditions occurring on Saturday. Fire managers are optimistic containment will continue to rise but are remaining attentive to the changing weather conditions.
To date, the Pack Creek Fire has not had any injuries or accidents which is a testament to the great work the firefighters are doing despite the extremely challenging firefighting conditions.
Investigators are still seeking leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start. Anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.
Pack Creek Fire Update June 16
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Publication Type: News
Pack Creek Fire Update Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Or Nick_Howell@Firenet.gov
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or our storymap at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0
Start date: June 9, 2021 Cause: Abandoned campfire Size in Acres: 8,453 Percent Contained: 26% Est. Cost to Date: $3.5 mil. Helicopters: 11 Engines: 34 Crews: 13 Total Personnel: 535
Summary: Increased relative humidity over the fire area overnight, which is predicted to continue over the next several days, assisted crews in making progress on containment lines on the western side of the fire near Brumley Creek and the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, increasing containment to 26%. Hot and dry daytime temperatures will persist with a slight potential for high elevation thunderstorms this coming weekend. An excessive heat warning remains in effect through Friday, which when combined with the historic drought, makes for challenging firefighting conditions.
Smoke will continue to impact the surrounding communities of Moab and Spanish Valley over the next few days. While a portion of the smoke in the valley during the morning hours is from the Pack Creek Fire, the majority of the high level smoke bringing hazy skies to the area is coming from fires across Arizona, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. As containment increases over the next week, smoke from the Pack Creek Fire will be reduced, however residents and visitors should anticipate smoke impacts in the area for the foreseeable future.
A priority remains the Oowah Lake area, including the campground and infrastructure. The fire has not reached the shores of Oowah Lake and remains south of the dam. In conjunction with helicopter water drops, crews are working direct around Oowah Lake to prevent the fire from impacting the popular recreation area. Crews continue securing and mopping up the containment lines in the Pack Creek drainage and expect additional containment in the Pack Creek area in the coming days.
Priorities for today’s operational shift are to continue to protect private property, infrastructure, and recreation areas within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Crews will continue to utilize appropriate suppression actions to minimize fire growth and scout for opportunities to establish effective control lines along the east side of the fire. Crews will work to connect indirect fire line to natural barriers in Burro Pass to slow fire spread to the northeast. Investigators are still seeking leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start. Anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.
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Pack Creek Fire Update June 15
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Publication Type: News
Pack Creek Fire Update
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Or Nick_Howell@Firenet.gov
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or on Twitter @UtahWildfire
Start date: June 9, 2021 Cause: Abandoned campfire Size in Acres: 8,435 Percent Contained: 16% Est. Cost to Date: $2.6 mil. Helicopters: 11 Engines: 21 Crews: 11 Total Personnel: 426
Virtual Community Briefing 7 p.m. today
Great Basin Team 4 will present a virtual briefing on the current state of the Pack Creek Fire at 7 p.m. tonight (June 15). In advance of the event, community members may submit questions by visiting https://forms.gle/UjUy8V5uGqxw5QoU9 and the public is invited to view an interactive story map about the fire at https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0. To see the briefing, visit: http://bit.ly/packcreek
Summary: The fire grew moderately on Monday and incident managers have assigned a new group of firefighters in the areas of new fire spread. More engines have also been assigned for structure protection efforts east of Geyser Pass. These resources will be preparing homes and the surrounding vegetation to minimize fire intensity should embers or a fire front move toward structures. Previous structure protection efforts were focused in Pack Creek and along the ridges on its west flank, but work there is nearly complete.
Additional containment is expected today on the western perimeter near Pack Creek and Brumley Creek and crews are working to limit fire spread any closer into the Mill Creek drainage.
Homes aren’t the only values at risk from the fire. Infrastructure on Bald Mesa provides internet, radio and other communication services throughout Southeast Utah, and multiple power lines serve mountain residences and the community of Castle Valley.
Investigators are still seeking leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start. Anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.
New Pack Creek Fire Story Map Available
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Publication Type: Announcement
The interactive map with photos, area closure information, and other details to help you stay current on the efforts to fight the Pack Creek Fire. The story map can be viewed on computers or mobile devices, but works better on a larger screened device (like a laptop or desktop computer). Visit: https://arcg.is/SH4Hm0.
Virtual Presentation on 6152021 at 7pm
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Publication Type: Announcement
The National Forest Service and the Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #4 are announcing a virtual presentation for community members interested in learning more about the efforts to fight the Pack Creek Fire, burning outside of Moab, Utah. The presentation will be held on Tuesday, June 15 from 7-8 p.m.
Link to attend: https://bit.ly/3cCORBt
Pack Creek Fire June 14 Update
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Publication Type: News
Pack Creek Fire Update
Monday, June 14, 2021
Contact Fire Information: (435) 287-4126
Visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or on Twitter @UtahWildfire
Summary: The significant spread of the Pack Creek Fire since Wednesday, June 9, is the result of drought conditions in the Manti-La Sal Mountains that haven’t been seen for at least 90 years. The combination of record heat, extremely dry fuels and steep, rugged terrain presents historic challenges for firefighters attempting to control the fire’s spread. More containment line was secured yesterday around Pack Creek, but containment remains at 6% due to growth in the fire perimeter.
Firefighters will continue their work along the fire’s western perimeter near Brumley Creek, where fire spread has been more moderate. They also are working to protect structures and other valuable assets that lie in the fire’s anticipated path in upper Pack Creek and north and east into the Oowah and Warner Lake basins. Given current conditions, the fire has potential to continue moving east of Geyser Pass, threatening structures in the area of Blue Lake and Dark Canyon. Residents of this area were ordered to evacuate Sunday night.
Forest Service investigators are continuing to explore leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start, and they have now set up a tip line for anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire. The tip line can be reached at 775-355-5337.
For more information on wildfire information, visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or on Twitter @UtahWildfire.
Public Land Closure Order
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Publication Type: Closures
Please see the closure order and map attached below.
