SIT REP — JUNE 6, 2021 — 2345 PT

A wildfire named the BENNION CREEK FIRE is burning in Utah.

Day 1 (June 4) – Around 1637 hours PT, air resources estimated the fire on Day 1 to be around 30-50 acres. It was ignited by an unknown source. It is burning on Bennion Ridge on the Manti-La Sal National Forest in very remote, rugged terrain and inaccessible by fire resources.

Cause is under investigation. No structures are threatened, however about 100 people were evacuated from nearby as precautions and for their safety.

May be an image of nature
Credit — USFS MLSNF

Day 2 (June 5) – On June 5th, Day 2, the fire had burned 350 acres and had a 0% containment status. Fire fuels include sagebrush, mountain mahogany and pinyon juniper.

Smoke is visible from Highway 6. Please avoid the Red Flag related area.

Day 3 (June 6) – Fire has burned 300 acres. 0% containment. 92 total personnel assigned with 2 crews, 1 engine and 3 helicopters. $50,000 cost-to-date. Burning on the Manti-La Sal National Forest (USFS). Fire behavior is moderate with torching, running and with uphill runs. Structures under threat. Evacuations and Closures are in effect.

Sandstone fins in the foreground and the La Sal Mountains in the background near dusk. The landscape is bathed in a pinkish purple glow from the setting sun.
Beautiful La Sal Mountains grace the Arches National Park in foreground. Credit — USFS

The fire is currently burning through steep, rugged and rocky terrain, making it difficult and dangerous for fire crews to work and suppress/contain the fire.

A Type 3 IMT is due to take command of the fire incident on Monday, June 7, 2021.

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