Salt Lake City officials have ordered residents to evacuate some areas ahead of a wildfire as more than 100 firefighters work to contain the blaze.
Helicopters and airplanes were dropping buckets over the flames Saturday as ground crews tried to contain the fire on Ensign Peak.
The first fire crew was dispatched around 4:30 p.m. and more than six different emergency agencies have joined the effort to stop the brush fire, Division Chief Bob Silverthorne of the Salt Lake City Fire Department said at a news briefing.
The fire department ordered a mandatory evacuation for an area of 40 homes on Sandhurst Drive, north of Dorchester Drive, and the police department were going to individual homes to notify residents. Other areas were evacuating voluntarily, Silverthorne said.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or structure damage, he said.
Officials did not know the exact cause or origin of the wildfire and could not immediately provide the acreage involved or the percentage that had been contained by firefighters, he said.
The area’s heat and wind prevented a clear determination of where the fire would move, but the conditions could result in a “quickly running fire” that has prompted officials to issue early warnings, he said.
A building at the Utah Capitol, located about 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) from Ensign Peak, was being used as a safe haven for those who have evacuated and want to escape the heat outside, Silverthorne said.
Over 100 firefighters have responded to mandatory evacuations prompted by a wildfire in Salt Lake City, Utah. The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon, has already consumed several acres of land and is threatening nearby homes and structures.
The Salt Lake City Fire Department issued the mandatory evacuations for residents in the affected areas as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety. Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and local fire departments, have been working tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been sparked by dry conditions and high winds in the area. With temperatures soaring and no rain in sight, the fire has been difficult to control and has posed a significant challenge to firefighters on the ground.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed about the latest updates on the fire. The Red Cross has set up shelters for those who have been displaced by the evacuations, providing food, water, and other essential supplies to those in need.
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, officials are reminding residents to be vigilant and take precautions to prevent wildfires in their own communities. This includes avoiding outdoor burning, properly disposing of cigarettes, and being mindful of any activities that could spark a fire.
The response from over 100 firefighters to the Salt Lake City wildfire highlights the dedication and bravery of these first responders who put their lives on the line to protect the community. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing the damage caused by wildfires.
