The Rocky Canyon Fire reached 77% containment as of Monday, Aug. 17, after crews completed a strategic firing operation in the steep, hard-to-reach Bishop's Canyon area over the weekend, according to a Utah Fire Info incident update.
The fire has burned 15,950 acres across Morgan and Summit counties since it sparked Aug. 7 near East Canyon State Park. It has destroyed two small structures and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and livestock, most of whom have returned home.
Containment climbed from 72% to 77% over the course of Sunday, Aug. 16, after firefighters carried out the planned burn in Bishop's Canyon bowl. The operation removed unburned vegetation between the active fire edge and containment lines, eliminating fuel that could have let flames spread through the steep terrain. Dozer lines and existing containment lines held firm throughout, Gephardt Daily reported.
Riley Bergseng, a fuels specialist for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest who has fought wildfires for 22 years, told KPCW that crews are now working hand-by-hand through oak brush on east-facing slopes. "You see the fingers of oak all on this east-facing aspect, and we have to touch every single piece of that by hand to make sure that there is nothing that can reignite with any type of wind," Bergseng said. "Now we're looking OK."
What residents need to know
Smoke: Minimal smoke was reported Monday, Aug. 17, but fire officials said it could increase as temperatures rise. Planned firing operations and suppression work may produce additional smoke. Residents should not call 911 to report drift smoke from these operations.
Flood and debris-flow risk: The burn scar carries an elevated risk of flooding and debris flows. Crews are rehabilitating and stabilizing the perimeter. The Summit County Sheriff's Office warned Aug. 13 that even in areas with no active fire, ground and vegetation can remain hot enough to reignite with wind, and that emergency management personnel are prepared to respond.
School traffic: Park City schools reopen Wednesday, Aug. 19. Drivers should expect increased traffic, school buses and pedestrians near roadways in the fire area. Firefighting equipment remains active on local roads, and motorists are urged to slow down.
Evacuations: Evacuation orders for Henefer residents were lifted Aug. 13, but several areas remain in "Set" status in case fire activity increases. In Morgan County, the north end of East Canyon State Park, including Dixie Creek Campground and day-use areas, remains under evacuation orders.
Weather and outlook
The National Weather Service is forecasting high temperatures with a low chance of afternoon thunderstorms across the Wasatch Back this week, according to KPCW. Hot, dry conditions could increase fire activity despite the containment gains.
The fire was human-caused. The specific cause remains under investigation.
Utah Fire Info said road closures will be lifted "as soon as it is safe to do so." Residents can monitor Utah Fire Info, the Summit County Sheriff's Office and Summit County's emergency information page for updates.
