East Fork Fire: 83,068 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 100% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: Closure orders for the Ashley National Forest are being evaluated and may change. Any changes to the current closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: The Center Creek Trail Fire is 100% contained. Most of the East Fork Fire is a mosaic pattern of burned and unburned fuel. This means that the fire will continue to fill in where fuels are receptive to burning. Despite the snow, the larger fuels remain dry and ready to burn. The primary means for the fire to spread will be spot fires and roll out of burning material.

Yesterday, the fire continued to move within the High Uinta Wilderness north of Granddaddy Lake and in the Brown Duck Basin. Today, firefighters are expected to complete work on indirect line construction on the northeast corner between the #EastForkFire and the #CenterCreekTrailFire. Crews will hold and mop-up direct line above the Upper Stillwater Reservoir. In the Moon Lake and Yellowstone River areas, point protection to values at risk will continue. Indirect line construction will be worked on today between Blind Stream Road and Corral Creek. Firefighters are also working on scouting contingency lines south and west of the fire area, in an effort to limit fire spread and prepare for any changes in fire movement.

Weather: There is no precipitation in the extended forecast for the fire area. There are a couple fast moving disturbances in the forecast that will bring oscillating winds, temperatures, and relative humidity levels. Today, winds will shift out of the northwest to out of the southwest in the afternoon. Southwest gusts are expected to 25 mph along the ridgetops and to 17 mph in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach 54 degrees and relative humidity levels at 8,000 ft. elevation levels will be 11-15%.

Resources: A total of 572 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 13 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 28 Engines, 14 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 83,000 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: The closure order on the Ashley National Forest for the local area and roads may change. Any changes to the current closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: High wind gusts of up to 55 mph on Sunday grounded air operations for the fires. Wind speeds will be lower today and aviation is anticipated to be able to fly reconnaissance and perform bucket work. The fire area received some snow on Sunday, which helped to moderate fire behavior. This lower fire behavior will continue today, although the moisture levels of larger fuels remain dry and ready to burn.

The priority area for the fire area will be around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir area. Today, crews will get in and hold and mop-up direct line above the reservoir. Crews will work to complete line preparation along Rock Creek Road and Stillwater Trail. On the northeast corner of the fire between the #EastForkFire and the #CenterCreekTrailFire, firefighters will continue to work today on indirect line construction. Firefighters are also being assigned to look at contingency lines further away from the fire area. This is to be prepared for fire growth west of the wilderness boundary, if there are winds that cause the fire to shift that direction.

Weather: Today, temperatures will moderate back to near normal levels, as the cold air from yesterday’s front has moved east of the fire area. Temperatures are expected to reach 43-47 degrees today and relative humidity levels will be at 30%.  Winds will be out of the northwest today, with gusts up to 35 mph along the ridgetops and 20 mph in the valleys later this afternoon. 

Resources: A total of 559 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 11 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 28 Engines, 14 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 82,671  acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: The closure order on the Ashley National Forest for the local area and roads may change. Any changes to the current closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: Southwest winds on Saturday caused increased fire activity, with the largest area of growth being in the High Uintas Wilderness area. The fire continued to back around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir at a higher rate than in previous days. The fire filled in additional area northeast around Granddaddy Lake, and was actively burning within current perimeter in the area around Raspberry Draw as previously unburned islands of vegetation ignited. 

Today’s wind gusts are expected to ground air operations for the day. Firefighters will continue to provide protection for buildings and infrastructure in the Moon Lake and Yellowstone Reservoir area today. On the northeast corner, crews will continue to improve indirect line construction in the Fish Creek drainage.  Crews will continue to scout for contingency lines south and west of the fire perimeter, to be prepared for fire growth for future wind shifts.

Weather: A storm system is currently moving through the fire area. Precipitation amounts are less than previously predicted with amounts being up to two inches in Ganddaddy Basin and one inch in the Stillwater Reservoir area and Lake Fork Mountain. Northwest winds will be strong through the afternoon with gusts up to 50, mph on ridges and only slightly less in valleys. Relative humidity levels will be higher today (40-50%) which will help to moderate today’s fire behavior. Temperatures today will be 20-25 degrees colder than Saturday. 

Resources: A total of 464 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 11 hand crews, 10 helicopters, 23 Engines, 8 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

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East Fork Fire: 80,535  acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: The Forest road and area closure remains in effect for the Ashley National Forest. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal. The public is urged to heed these closure areas and be aware that they may change. If the orders change, they will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. 

Update: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from noon until 8:00 PM. This warning is due to strong winds out of the southwest that may strongly push the fire perimeter to the northeast. There is a potential for the fire to spot distances of up to one mile, particularly on steeper slopes.

Night shift operations observed active burning within the fire perimeter along the southeast corner and continued to patrol areas with structures. Today, preparation along the Stillwater Trail will be completed, burning off the trail may happen in the future to provide additional security for that line. Firefighters are also anticipated to complete work on the direct line construction west of the Upper Stillwater Reservoir today. Fire personnel will also continue work to scout contingency lines further south and west of the current fire perimeter, in an effort to have a complete plan for fire growth on multiple fronts. On the northeast corner, crews will work to tie indirect line construction to tie the fire’s edge to a rock scree, south of the #CenterCreekTrailFire.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning has been issued today due to increased strong winds from the southwest. These winds will bring gusts of up to 30-35 mph along the ridgetops and 18-24 mph in the valley drainages. Today will be mostly sunny with little cloud cover and temperatures reaching 61 degrees. Humidity levels will reach 18-21%. The approaching cold front will arrive early Sunday morning and may bring several inches of snow over the Granddaddy Basin, and increasing cloud cover and showers throughout the day.

Resources: A total of 428 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include handcrews, 8 helicopters, 23 Engines, 8 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

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East Fork Fire: 80,535 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began 8/21/20, lightning- caused. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT. Began 8/25/20, lightning caused.

Closures: The Forest road and area closure remains in effect for the Ashley National Forest. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal. The public is urged to heed these closure areas and be aware that they may change. If the orders change, they will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. 

Update: The East Fork Fire showed increased fire behavior yesterday, with activity picking up in areas that had been quiet in the previous few days. Smoke columns were visible in multiple areas, with most activity being northwest of Stillwater Reservoir, in Brown Duck Basin, and northwest of Moon Lake. 

Today, firefighters will continue direct line construction along the western side of the Upper Stillwater Reservoir along the Blindstream Road, and to construct handline east from the Blindstream Road to the Resservoir to prevent the fire’s southern spread. Crews will continue to provide structure protection as needed within the fire area. Tonight, operations will continue to patrol the fire perimeter and areas with structures including Yellowstone River and Moon Lake. Additional resources have arrived at the fire, with two 20-person hand crews arriving yesterday for fire duty. The #ShadowLakeFire has connected with the western part of the East Fork Fire northeast of Granddaddy Lake. There continues to be no growth on the  #CenterCreekTrailFire.

Weather:  For the first time in five days, overnight humidity levels reached 30%. These levels will drop to 18-23% by early afternoon when areas of smoke in the drainages begin to dissipate. Temperatures will reach 57-61 degrees today. Winds will gust to 18 mph along the ridgetops and to 16 mph in the valleys. A cold frontal passage is expected to move through the area Sunday and is expected to bring 1-4 inches of snow which will help moderate fire activity.

Resources: A total of 465 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 11 handcrews, 8 helicopters, 23 Engines, 8 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 77,864 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began 8/21/20, lightning- caused. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT. Began 8/25/20, lightning caused.

Closures: A Forest road and area is in effect for the Ashley National Forest. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y2cphnaf and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: Aerial reconnaissance shows that despite little movement outside of proposed or existing containment lines, areas of intense heat remain within the #EastForkFire perimeter. The most intense areas of heat remain around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir. Smoke will continue to be visible as interior islands of unburned fuel ignite with fire progression. Yesterday, this interior burning resulted in a smoke column forming west of Lake Fork Mountain. The #ShadowLakeFire will continue to be monitored by air. No growth on the #CenterCreekTrailFire has been observed for the past several days.

Work around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir will continue to be the top priority for today’s operations. Firefighters will continue direct line construction on the western side of the reservoir along Blindstream Road. Crews also continue to construct hand line south of the active fire, tying line into a rock scree area. In the Moon Lake and Yellowstone River areas, crews will provide point protection for values at risk in those areas. Crews will continue to implement suppression work in these areas, following the approved plan with the Ashley National Forest.

Weather: Elevated fire weather conditions will be over the fire area today from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Wind speeds will be increased today, shifting from the southwest with gusts to 24 mph along the ridgetops and gusting to 22 mph south/southeast winds in the valleys. Although relative humidity levels are slightly higher today, 12-15%, fuels remain at record low moisture levels. Temperatures today will be 59-63 degrees today. A cold frontal passage is expected to move through the area on Sunday.

Resources: A total of 431 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 9 handcrews, 8 helicopters, 23 Engines, 8 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

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East Fork Fire: 76,638 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began 8/21/20, lightning- caused. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT. Began 8/25/20, lightning caused.

Overview:  A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area today. This warning is in effect due to above average temperatures, increased wings, and poor overnight humidity recovery levels. There is a high probability of active fire behavior, including the potential for spot fires, group tree torching and crown runs. Active fire behavior may necessitate changes to area and road closures that are currently in effect. The most current closure updates can be found at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7166/ or at www.facebook.com/AshleyNationalForest/

Staff and aircraft assigned to the East Fork Fire were diverted yesterday to assist with the Shadow Lake Fire (located about a mile north of the East Fork Fire above Upper Stillwater Reservoir) and the Rhoades Canyon 2 Fire, located about 5 miles northwest of Hanna. Air resources from the East Fork Fire will provide additional support today.

Today’s Operations: Night operations observed little fire activity along the eastern edge of the East Fork Fire perimeter. Crews continued last night to mop up within 50 feet of fire lines and this work will continue today to further bolster and secure containment lines. Work around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir continues to be a priority for area crews. Firefighters are working on line construction northwest of the dam to cut off the fire’s southern progress. They also continue to prepare Blindstream Road for firing operations should it become necessary. Point protection will be provided for values at risk in this area as well as in the Moon Lake and Yellowstone River areas. No growth has been observed for 96 hours on the Center Creek Trail Fire, although interior smokes have been observed.  

Weather:  A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area today. Temperatures have been trending 15 degrees above average, with today’s temperatures reaching 63 degrees. Relative humidity levels will range down to 8-12% today. Winds will become southwest on the ridgetop, gusting to 20 mph after 11:00 AM and will shift to the southeast in the valley, gusting to 17 mph after 11:00 AM.

Resources: A total of 342 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 6 handcrews, 8 helicopters, 19 Engines, 3 water tenders.

Closures: A Forest Closure is in effect for the Ashley National Forest. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y2ytqt7a and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 75,109 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began 8/21/20, lightning caused. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT. Began 8/25/20, lightning caused.

Overview:  Area and road closures remain in effect and may change if fire activity warrants. Changes will be posted at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/ and on the Ashley National Forest Facebook page.  These closures remain in place to provide for public and firefighter safety. Use caution while driving on area roads that are open to the public. An increasing amount of firefighting traffic will be on these roads, and much of this equipment is heavy and requires longer times to stop. Drive with care and use daytime headlights as smokey conditions can change rapidly due to shifting winds.

Today’s Operations: While little overall growth was observed, low relative humidity caused the fire to burn actively overnight.  On the western edge of the East Fork Fire, the fire continues to back toward the Upper Stillwater Reservoir area. Crews will prepare South Fork and Blindstream Roads for firing operations as necessary in an effort to keep the fire north of this road. Firefighters will also continue to scout and look for opportunities for direct and indirect line construction in this area. Along the Rock Creek Road area, crews will patrol, mop up, and provide protection around the Rock Creek Lodge as needed. East of Lake Fork Mountain, crews will mop up the fire perimeter and spot fires.  Firefighters will remain ready to provide point protection to buildings and infrastructure as needed in the Yellowstone River area. While interior smokes have been observed on the Center Creek Trail Fire, no growth has been observed in 72 hours.

Weather: Winds are predicted to be out of the northwest until 11:00 AM, thing shift to the southwest on ridgetops and southeast in the valleys. Afternoon winds are expected to be sustained at 5-8 mph with gusts of up to 16 mph. The fire area will be sunny today, with temperatures reaching 63 degrees. Relative humidity levels will be 11-15%.  

Resources: A total of 329 firefighters are assigned. Resources include 6 handcrews, 8 helicopters, 15 Engines, 2 water tenders. Additional resources, including engines and crews, have been ordered to replace resources that are timing out and bolster firefighting efforts.

Closures: A Forest Closure is in effect for the Ashley National Forest. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y4da965p and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 74,589 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began August 21, 2020, lightning caused. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT. Began August 25, 2020, lightning caused.

Overview: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today for gusty winds and dry conditions. With today’s weather, spotting distances of up to a ½ mile are possible. Area and road closures remain in effect today and may change during the day if fire conditions warrant. The public’s cooperation with these closures is necessary to continue safe and effective firefighting operations and public safety. If any closures change, the announcements will immediately be made on the websites listed above.

Due to increasing complexity of the incident, management of the fires has transitioned to the California Interagency Incident Management Team 10.

Today’s Operations: Engine crews will staff the East Fork Fire through the night at the Upper Stillwater Reservoir and observe the fire backing down and moving south. Intense heat remains in this area. Today, Blindstream Road and South Fork will be prepared for firing operations when conditions warrant to create a more secure fireline in an effort to keep the fire north of these roads.

On the northeast corner of the fire, around Petty Mountain, crews will mop up spot fires near the perimeter and provide protection for residences in Yellowstone Canyon and infrastructure as needed. Mop up and structure protection will also be provided in the Moon Lake area. The Center Creek Trail fire showed no movement yesterday and will continue to be monitored.

Weather: Northwest winds will be increased from previous days over the Granddaddy Basin and through Fish Creek and West Fork Rock Creek. Afternoon gusts will be 25-30 mph along the ridgetops and in the valleys.  Because of these winds and low relative humidity levels (12-16%), a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 8:00 PM today. Temperatures will reach 71 degrees. 

Resources: A total of 270 firefighters are assigned. Resources include 6 handcrews, 8 helicopters, 13 Engines, 5 water tenders.

Closures: Closures are in effect for the Ashley National Forest and Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands. The forest closure last changed on October 2. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y4da965p and the complete closure order may be found here:  https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal. The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office has closed county roads in and near the fire area.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, State of Utah Lands.

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East Fork Fire: 73,661 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began August 21, 2020, lightning caused.

Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,253 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT. Began August 25, 2020, lightning caused.

Overview: Due to increasing complexity of the incident, management of the fires will transition tomorrow morning to a larger Type 2 Incident Management Team. The fires are currently managed under the Ashley National Forest Type 3 Incident Management Team. At 7:00 AM on October 5, the fires will be under the management of the California Interagency Incident Management Team 10.

The public is urged to continue to use caution while driving on area roads. With the start of hunting season and firefighting equipment, there is an increase of traffic. Use caution while driving and heed all road and area closure information. Fire restrictions remain in place on open areas of the Forest.

Today’s Operations: On the eastern edge of the East Fork Fire, crews will continue working to secure line on the Petty Mountain Loop and Hells Canyon roads. Fire progression west of Lake Fork Mountain will continue. Preparation work along Yellowstone Road will continue as well as suppression repair work where appropriate. Firefighters will continue mop up work around the Moon Lake Guard Station. Around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir, helicopters will drop water on areas of heat. On the ground, crews will go direct and tie fireline into a rocky area. The Center Creek Trail fire will continue to be monitored for spread to the south. Air resources continue to play a valuable role on both, providing information reconnaissance and operational support with water drops.  

Weather: Today’s temperatures will be around 70 degrees, with humidity levels between 13-17%. Winds will be out of the northwest at 5-9 mph becoming southwest at 8-13 mph by late morning. Winds will gust to 20 mph in the afternoon. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect on Monday, Oct. 5 for low humidity and potential wind gusts of up to 30 mph.

Resources: A total of 248 firefighters are assigned to both fires. Resources include 8 helicopters, 13 Engines, 4 water tenders, 1 Type-1 handcrew and 4 Type-2 Initial Attack handcrews.

Closures: Closures are in effect for the Ashley National Forest and Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands. The forest closure last changed on October 2. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y4da965p and the complete closure order may be found here:  https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal. The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office has closed county roads in and near the fire area.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, State of Utah Lands.