The “Dollar Ridge” fire started Sunday afternoon and by Monday morning had burned 6,600 acres, that has since jumped to over 30,000 acres burned.
The fire started 4.5 miles Southeast of Strawberry Reservoir, and has worked its way towards the Fruitland and Pinncales area
Evacuations have been ordered for Strawberry Gorge, Camelot Resort, The currant Creek Subdivision and the Pinyon Ridge Subdivision. Somewhere between 200 and 300 homes have been evacuated.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, (or FEMA) has authorized federal aid to help fund the fighting of this wildfire. FEMA funding is available to pay 75% of the state’s firefighting costs.
The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands say the “Dollar Ridge” fire spread quickly due to the steep terrain and high winds.
The fire is too hot and unpredictable for ground crews to access. Crews were using air tankers and helicopters but high winds have made it so they are unable to fight the fire by air. Currently the crews have no containment of the fire.
The smoke column from the fire is so large it can be seen from Park City and sightings have been reported as far away as Moab.
The fire started on private property and has spread. The division says they believe the fire was human caused.