FACT SHEET

EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer

Contact: 435-640-5301

Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update September 5, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 4,151 acres

Containment: 20%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation consists of grass and sagebrush with mix of Juniper and Aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area (HUW) for firefighter and public safety. Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then Northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest boundary within the HUW, then West and South following the Ashley National Forest Boundary to the Southern boundary of the HUW, then East along the Southern boundary of the HUW to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the Southern boundary of the HUW. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure.

Road Closures: The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) beginning at the junction of FSR 215 ending at the junction with Rock Creek Road FSR 134.  Rock Creek Road FSR134 beginning north of the Yellowpine Campground entrance ending at the terminus of the Upper Stillwater Dam Road.

Trail closure: Rock Creek Trail FST184 from Yellowpine Campground to the Stillwater Dam.

Fire was very active yesterday on the Northwest side of the fire.  The Infrared flight shows a growth of 434 acres bringing the total acreage to 4,151. Containment remains at 20%. With warm dry winds yesterday active fire behavior was observed along the West and Northwest side of the fire.  The fire is following the Rock Creek drainage to the North, past Francis and Slide Lakes.  

A Red Flag Warning has been issues for the area from noon on Saturday to Monday at 9 pm.  A Red Flag Warning is in place and indicates weather conditions with warm temperatures, strong winds and low relative humidity.  This will contribute to extreme fire behavior. 

Today crews will continue to secure the south end of the fire near the wilderness boundary.  Helicopter operations will continue to be utilized in the Cabin Lake area to slow the fire spread from moving up and over Tworoose Pass into the Brown Duck Basin. 

The Phinney Lake Fire continued to burn through dead and down beetle kill trees.  Fire is continuing to burn down into the Northeast drainage of Fall Creek.  The current acreage is 396, a growth of 66 acres from yesterday. 

Labor Day weekend is here please be alert and aware of firefighting activity, traffic and crews in the area.  Please stay out of the closure area so that firefighters can complete operations.   

Assigned Resources:  2 Helicopters, 3 Engines, 1 Hotshot Crew, 1 Wildland Fire Module, currently 78 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

Due to the use of helicopters to monitor the fires in the area a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area.  This will restrict the use of drones within the fire area please do not use drones.  If you fly we can’t.

FACT SHEET

EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer

Contact: 435-640-5301

Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update September 4, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 3,717 acres

Containment: 20%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area (HUW) for firefighter and public safety. Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then Northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest boundary within the HUW, then West and South following the Ashley National Forest Boundary to the Southern boundary of the HUW, then East along the Southern boundary of the HUW to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the Southern boundary of the HUW. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure.

Road Closures: The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) beginning at the junction of FSR 215 ending at the junction with Rock Creek Road FSR 134.  Rock Creek Road FSR134 beginning north of the Yellowpine Campground entrance ending at the terminus of the Upper Stillwater Dam Road.

Trail closure: Rock Creek Trail FST184 from Yellowpine Campground to the Stillwater Dam.

Active fire behavior was observed on the fire today. Fire continues to burn through dead and down timber with some single and group tree touching.  Unfortunately, crews were unable to get the camera working on the edge of the wilderness boundary.   Firefighters continued to work in the South Fork Rock Creek Trail FST 1141.   Firefighters use infrared (IR) flights to map the size and growth of the fire. An IR flight was completed last night, the current acreage is 3,717 a growth of 260 acres over the last two days with 20% containment.    

Bucket operations were utilized yesterday on the east side of the fire in the Cabin Creek area to slow the fire spread from moving up and over Tworoose Pass into the Brown Duck Basin.  Bucket operations will continue today. A Chinook helicopter is being utilized for the bucket operations. The Chinook helicopter is equipped with a bucket that will hold 1,500 gallons of water.  In comparison a light Type 3 helicopter holds 100 gallons in the bucket. Both the light Type 3 and the Chinook was utilized for bucket drops; however, the Chinook is preferred due to the higher elevation and terrain.

With Labor Day weekend starting please be alert and aware of firefighting activity, traffic and crews in the area.  Please stay out of the closures area so that firefighters can complete operations.   

The Phinney Lake Fire saw light Northwest winds on the fire.  Single tree torching was observed on the North side of the lake.  It is continuing to burn through some dead and down timber into the Northeast drainage of Fall creek.  The current acreage is 330, a growth of 148 acres. 

Assigned Resources:  2 Helicopters, 3 Engines, 1 Hotshot Crew, currently 70 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

Due to the use of helicopters to monitor the fires in the area a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area.  This will restrict the use of drones within the fire area please do not use drones.  If you fly we can’t.

FACT SHEET

EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer

Contact: 435-640-5301

Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update September 3, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 3,457 acres

Containment: 20%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area (HUW) for firefighter and public safety. Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then Northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest boundary within the HUW, then West and South following the Ashley National Forest Boundary to the Southern boundary of the HUW, then East along the Southern boundary of the HUW to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the Southern boundary of the HUW. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure.

Road Closures: The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) beginning at the junction of FSR 215 ending at the junction with Rock Creek Road FSR 134.  Rock Creek Road FSR134 beginning north of the Yellowpine Campground entrance ending at the terminus of the Upper Stillwater Dam Road.

Trail closure: Rock Creek Trail FST184 from Yellowpine Campground to the Stillwater Dam.

Yesterday firefighters observed some moderate fire behavior in the afternoon hours.  Interior burning occurred through dead and down timber with some single tree torching.    Firefighters use infrared flights to map the size and growth of the fire. There was not a flight order last night, so the acreage will remain at 3,457 with 20% containment.    

Crews have completed the work around the roads going into Upper Stillwater and Moon Lake.  Today crews will start trail prep along the South Fork Rock Creek Trail FST 1141.  Work that crews have been completing in the area will improve the ability to protect the area from fire in the future.   

With Labor Day weekend starting please be alert and aware of firefighting activity, traffic and crews in the area.  Please stay out of the closures area so that firefighters can complete operations.   Yellowpine, Miners Gulch and Rock Creek are currently open.  The road closure is just above the Yellowpine campground.  If you are camping in the campground, please stay off the trail that parallels the South Fork Rock Creek to access the Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

The Phinney Lake Fire saw light Northwest winds on the perimeter of the fire.  Single tree torching was observed on the North side of the lake.  It is continuing to burn through some dead and down timber. The Phinney Lake fire is located about a mile due west of Explorer Peak in the vicinity of Phinney Lake.  The location of this fire is in the current closure area and is at 182 acres.

Assigned Resources:  2 Helicopters, 3 Engines, 1 Hotshot Crew, currently 70 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

Due to the use of helicopters to monitor the fires in the area a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area.  This will restrict the use of drones within the fire area please do not use drones.  If you fly we can’t.

FACT SHEET

EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer

Contact: 435-640-5301

Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update September 2, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 3,457 acres

Containment: 18%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area (HUW) for firefighter and public safety. Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then Northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest boundary within the HUW, then West and South following the Ashley National Forest Boundary to the Southern boundary of the HUW, then East along the Southern boundary of the HUW to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the Southern boundary of the HUW. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure.

Road Closures: The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) beginning at the junction of FSR 215 ending at the junction with Rock Creek Road FSR 134.  Rock Creek Road FSR134 beginning north of the Yellowpine Campground entrance ending at the terminus of the Upper Stillwater Dam Road.

Trail closure: Rock Creek Trail FST184 from Yellowpine Campground to the Stillwater Dam.

Yesterday the low at base camp was 39 degrees.  Part of the fire received a dusting of snow overnight.  By early evening it was 66 degrees.  There were spots of single tree torching throughout the fire perimeter.  Firefighters use infrared flights to map the size and growth of the fire. There was not a flight order last night, so the acreage will remain at 3,457 with 18% containment.    

Crews were able to work with IT folks to get the camera operational.  They will coordinate with the helicopter to fly the equipment into the area.  Crews that worked around the Yellowpine campground have done an amazing job falling and chipping hazard trees to help with visibility along the road.  Work that crews have been completing along the roads going into Upper Stillwater Reservoir and around Moon Lake will improve the ability to protect the area from fire in the future.   

Starting this morning, the following campgrounds will reopen with reservations and first-come-first-serve sites; Yellowpine, Miners Gulch and Rock Creek.  The road closure will be placed just above the Yellowpine campground.  If you are camping in the campground, please stay off the trail that parallels the South Fork Rock Creek to access the Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

The Phinney Lake Fire continued to see some single tree torching in and around the lake.  It is continuing to burn through some dead and down timber. The Phinney Lake fire is located about a mile due west of Explorer Peak in the vicinity of Phinney Lake.  The location of this fire is in the current closure area and is at 182 acres.

Assigned Resources:  2 Helicopters, 4 Engines, 1 Wildland Fire Module, 1 Hotshot Crew, currently 78 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

Due to the use of helicopters to monitor the fires in the area a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area.  This will restrict the use of drones within the fire area please do not use drones.  If you fly we can’t.

FACT SHEET

EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer

Contact: 435-640-5301

Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update September 1, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 3,457 acres

Containment: 18%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area for firefighter and public safety. The High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) and Highline Trail (FST 025) to the Ashley National Forest boundary. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure. The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area. The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) is closed at the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah. The Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

Yesterday with the cooler temperatures and cloud cover the fire grew 82 acres bring the total acres to 3,457 with 18% containment.   The Red Flag Warning was lifted at 9 pm.  During the day the fire saw gusts of wind up to 35mph.   

The mission to place the camera outside of the wilderness yesterday ran into complication hopefully in the next day or two they will be able to get it up and running.  Crews worked around the Yellowpine campground clearing hazard trees yesterday they will be utilizing the chipper today to clean up the area.  Work that crews have been completing along the roads going into Upper Stillwater Reservoir and around Moon Lake will improve the ability to protect the area from fire in the future.   

Starting Wednesday morning, September 2, 2020, the following campgrounds will reopen with reservations and first-come-first-serve sites; Yellowpine, Miners Gulch and Rock Creek.  The road closure will be placed just above the Yellowpine campground.  If you are camping in the campground please stay off the trail that parallels the South Fork Rock Creek to access the Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

The Phinney Lake Fire burning north of the East Fork Fire grew 6 acres as it continued to burn through some dead and down timber. The Phinney Lake fire is located about a mile due west of Explorer Peak in the vicinity of Phinney Lake.  The location of this fire is in the current closure area and is at 182 acres.

Assigned Resources:

• 2 Helicopters

• 4 Engines

• 1 Wildland Fire Module

• 1 Hotshot Crew

• Currently 74 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

   

   

FACT SHEET

EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer

Contact: 435-640-5301

Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update August 31, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 3,376 acres

Containment: 18%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area for firefighter and public safety. The High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) and Highline Trail (FST 025) to the Ashley National Forest boundary. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure. The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area. The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) is closed at the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah. The Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

The fire grew 534 acres yesterday bringing it to 3376.  There were significant winds due to the Red Flag Warning that was in place yesterday which will continue into today till 9 pm.  A Red Flag Warning means that the area can see warm temperatures, strong winds and low relative humidity. The combination of these conditions can contribute to extreme fire behavior.  Firefighters saw active fire behavior most of the afternoon into the evening. 

Today one helicopter will assist firefighters by flying an individual to the edge of the wilderness to place a camera that will allow live feed to assist in monitoring fire activity.  Crews will continue to be in the Rock Creek and Moon Lake area today, they will be continuing mechanical treatments in and around the campground and the lodge. 

The Phinney Lake Fire burning north of the East Fork Fire began putting up smoke yesterday afternoon and was actively burning in the area. The Phinney Lake fire is located about a mile due west of Explorer Peak in the vicinity of Phinney Lake.  The location of this fire is in the current closure area and is currently 176 acres.

The Northern Utah Type 3 team took command of the East Fork Fire on the morning of Saturday August 29, 2020. The team will be supporting the Ashley National Forest with the Phinney Lake Fire along with operations on the East Fork Fire.  Please be alert and aware of firefighting activity, traffic and crews in the area.   

Assigned Resources:

• 2 Helicopters

• 4 Engines

• 1 Wildland Fire Module

• 1 Hotshot Crew

• Currently 72 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

   

    

FACT SHEET
EAST FORK FIRE
Brenda Bushell, Public Information Officer
Contact: 435-640-5301
Email: 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

East Fork Fire – Update August 30, 2020

Start: August 21, 2020

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Cause: Natural – lightning

Size: 2,842 acres

Containment: 18%

Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen. 

Closures:  Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area for firefighter and public safety. The High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) and Highline Trail (FST 025) to the Ashley National Forest boundary. The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure. The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area. The Blind stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) is closed at the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah. The Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

Crews continued working in the Moon Lake area yesterday.  Activity on the fire was minimal due to cloud cover and little precipitation.  Firefighters hiked the southern side of the fire, outside of the wilderness, looking for a spot to place a live feed camera to monitor fire activity.

A red flag warning has been issued for today and Monday afternoon. Fire is expected to see high winds and low relative humidity that could lead to increase fire activity.   Please be alert and aware of firefighting activity, traffic and crews in the area. 

Assigned Resources:

• 2 Helicopters

• 4 Engines

• 1 Wildland Fire Module

• 1 Hotshot Crew

• Currently 72 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire 

August 29, 2020

East Fork Fire

Start: August 21, 2020
Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT in the Rock Creek drainage north of Upper Stillwater Reservoir.
Cause: Natural - lightning
Size: 2,842 acres
Containment: 17%
Fuels: Upper elevations consist of heavy timber with a large component of dead trees due to beetle infestation. Lower elevation is grass and sagebrush with mix of juniper and aspen.
Closures: Area closure in place in the High Uintas Wilderness Area for firefighter and public safety.  The High Uintas Wilderness Area west of the Lake Fork Trail (Forest Service Trail (FST) 061) and the Highline Trail (FST) 025 to the Ashley National Forest boundary.  The Lake Fork Trail is not included in this closure.  The Highline Trail is closed in sections within the closure area.  The Blind Stream Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 135) is closed at the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah.  The Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) will be closed at the intersection with FSR 198, the road to Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

Fire activity has been very minimal the last couple days due to favorable weather.  Fire crews have been seeing interior burning as the fire continues to move through heavy dead and down timber.  The Northern Utah Team Type 3 team took command of the fire this morning.  Today crews will continue working in the Moon Lake are with hose lays and preparation work around structures.

Assigned Resources:
2 Helicopters
4 engines
1 wildland fire module
1 crew
Currently 70 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire.

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Twitter:  @UtahWildfire

Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

The East Fork Fire is now 2,842 acres, an increase of 90 acres.  Fire activity has been minimal this week as a result of favorable weather conditions, including light precipitation and cloud cover.  There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms late this afternoon, ahead of a cold front expected to arrive on Sunday.

The fire is mostly spreading over the ground through dead, downed logs.  Firefighters have completed fireline along the southernmost edge of the fire, outside of the High Uintas Wilderness.  There is a high potential for additional fire growth once warmer and drier conditions return late next week.  Steep terrain and thick timber with standing, dead trees make it difficult for firefighters to safely work directly on the fire perimeter.  Crews will continue preparation work around structures at Moon Lake today.  They are thinning vegetation to make the buildings more defensible should the East Fork Fire or another fire ever near the lake.  Be aware if visiting the area this weekend of the increase in traffic along the Moon Lake Road.

Great Basin Team #4 is transitioning the fire to a smaller organization that will continue to monitor fire activity and remain prepared to protect infrastructure and private property.  A Type 3 Incident Commander will take command of the fire Saturday morning.  Fire resources will remain at Rock Creek, with support personnel working from the Duchesne Country Emergency Operations Center.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.

WEEKEND REMINDER –  There is still a lot of open area to recreate this weekend.  Check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return.  And respect fire restrictions and any other requirements for the local area.

RED FLAG WARNING

Contact Fire Information:  385.393.0516 or 2020.eastfork@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

Follow:  #EastForkFire

Twitter:  @UtahWildfire

Facebook:  @UtahWildfire and @AshleyNationalForest

Wednesday was the third consecutive day without any measurable growth on the East Fork Fire.  Light precipitation and higher overnight humidity is limiting fire activity.  It continues to smolder through heavy dead and down timber, with a high potential to become more active as temperatures rise again.  Firefighters are making great progress on preparing structures and property in Rock Creek.  Today, crews will be working around Moon Lake to reduce heavy vegetation around the campground and facilities there.  Fire managers do not anticipate the fire will reach Moon Lake, but they are taking advantage of the assigned crews to complete the work that will improve the ability to protect Moon Lake from this or another fire in the future.

For firefighter and public safety, the area closure is not being reduced at this time.  It was a challenge to locate and evacuate hikers when the fire started last week, and fire managers don’t want to risk having to do so again.  If you are planning to head out to recreate this weekend, please check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, indicating the potential for rapid fire growth.  High winds and drier conditions will be prevalent throughout the region.  The East Fork Fire’s location, at a high elevation and in a north-south drainage, will likely shelter it from the highest winds.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Rock Creek, upper Blind Stream, and Yellowpine Campground.  The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of evacuations with assistance from firefighters and local Forest Service employees.

CLOSURES –  The Ashley National Forest has an area closure in place for the safety of firefighters and the public.  Beginning at the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail [Forest Service Trail (FST) 061] near Moon Lake at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area north along the western edge of the Lake Fork Trail to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025), then northwest along the Highline Trail to the Ashley National Forest Boundary within the Wilderness, then west and south following the Forest boundary to the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area, then east along the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area to the beginning at the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the southern boundary of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. The Lake Fork Trail itself is not included in this closure. The Blind Stream Road [Forest Service Road (FSR) 135] is closed from the Forest boundary north of Hanna, Utah, to the intersection of the Blind Stream Road and the Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), then south along the Rock Creek Road to the intersection with FSR 198 at the Lower Stillwater Ponds Picnic Area.