The East Canyon Fire on the border of Summit County is now over 90% contained, according to Utah Wildfire Info. As of Saturday, command of the firefighting efforts returned to local crews.
Although the East Canyon Fire is now over 90% contained, fire officials say the last 10% of the fire is in the thickest vegetation north of East Canyon Reservoir and may take some time to fully extinguish.
The fire was ignited midday last Tuesday after a piece of heavy equipment struck a rock, causing a spark and igniting nearby vegetation near East Canyon State Park in Morgan County. The fire has burned over 830 acres, but crews were able to establish a perimeter around the blaze late Thursday and contain its growth.
Early in the week, there was worry that winds topping 20 miles per hour could push the fire into neighboring Summit County, but thanks to quick work by fire crews and the winds becoming progressively weaker, the fire never jumped the county line.
Summit County Fire Warden Bryce Boyer told KPCW that local fire crews were on standby if needed, but the fire had roughly 18 miles of open land to burn before it would have threatened the nearest town, Henefer, in the northwest corner of the county.
At its height, four fire crews and several supporting aircraft were dispatched to fight the fire. On Saturday, one local Morgan County crew fully took over operations.
Fire restrictions are currently in place statewide with no campfires, exploding targets, or fireworks allowed on any state or unincorporated private lands. Fireworks are never allowed on any public lands in Utah.
Restrictions in Wasatch County that will be in place starting June 16th include restricting fires of any kind to established public facilities like campgrounds and picnic areas, or permanent fire pits at private residences. Restrictions on outdoor smoking and motorized vehicles will also be in place.
