Brian Head fire forces more road closures, evacuations; 11,000 acres burning
Channel: hd channel
Date: 2017-06-23

GARFIELD  COUNTY, Utah - Authorities have closed Highway 143 from Panguitch to Parowan for the Brian Head fire.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office has called for evacuations in Panguitch Lake including Horse Valley, Clear Creek, Beaver Dam, Blue Springs and Panguitch Lake Campground.

Authorities estimated they have evacuated residents in about 400 cabins, but they weren't sure how many people were affected by the evacuation.

The fire has swelled to cover about 11,000 acres.

It has destroyed three cabins in the Panguitch Lake area along with two horse trailers and a pickup truck.

Fire crews said the command post is now threatened by the fire.


The fire made an eight-mile run to the northeast with the help of southwest winds overnight.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Utah Thursday.

Fire officials are urging residents to remember the "5 P's" of evacuation: People, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.

Firefighters say the evacuations are "urgent" but were "issued with enough time and space for a calm and smooth exit."

Displaced residents are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross in Utah for assistance.

The fire has grown to 10,950 acres and is 15 percent contained.

The Brian Head Fire started midday Saturday, June 17, and grew very quickly through dense timber on lands managed by Brian Head Town, Iron County, in cooperation with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.

The fire has now burned onto Dixie National Forest lands as well.

The fire is believed to have been sparked by a weed torch.