Dollar Ridge Fire burns 40,469 acres; Highway 40 is closed from 60 to 86

DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah – The Dollar Ridge fire rose to 40,469 acres Wednesday morning

The fire forced the closure of the highway. 40 near mile 57, four miles west of Fruitland, around 19:20

The Utah Public Security Department reports Hwy. 40 is closed between Post 60, near Currant Creek, and 86, near Starvation Reservoir

The increase in area was reported by the Utah Fire Department on Wednesday around 6:35 am [19659003] Wednesday afternoon, Wasatch County Emergency Management officials announced mandatory evacuations to all occupants of the 40 Dam Acres, Pinehollow, Aspen Grove and Aspen Grove Marina grounds

"We need all citizens in these areas to evacuate immediately." According to Wasatch County Emergency Management,

On Wednesday night, firefighters said that the evacuation order does not affect the area. located north of Highway 40, Strawberry Reservoir at Currant Creek

"Wasatch County representatives stated that they were badessing evolving fire conditions to see if they were in a safe location. they had to order a mandatory evacuation, but he They have not been ordered yet. An order from the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office for the Pine Hollow Subdivision is still in effect, "said the Great Basin Interinstitutional Management Team

Hundreds of other homes had already been evacuated on Tuesday

. scheduled for Thursday, July 5 at Duchesne High School at 7 pm

"Many representatives from affected areas will be present to answer questions," said a Facebook post from Utah Fire Info [19659011]. a shelter at Duchesne High School to help anyone affected by fire and evacuations. Authorities claim that the Duchesne County Wildlife Park now has more than a dozen horses and about 30 to 40 dogs and cats, and that there will be more room for evacuees while the situation of Emergency continues.

Tom Clyde's parents live in Fruitland and were among those evacuated. He keeps an eye on their property.

"Yesterday morning, I thought we were fine, and yesterday afternoon the winds came, we were pretty worried last night," said Clyde. "[Wednesday] morning, it looks a little better … There is still hope, everything is fine this morning."

The Utah Department of Transportation says that the United States remains open Wednesday, but they say they're watching the situation. is possible if the activity of the fire moves.

The Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team also arrived to take over the fire management of the Type 2 team that was there

On Wednesday morning, there were 12 crews, three engines, 10 helicopters, two bulldozers and a total of 402 people fighting the fire.

Crews at the scene estimate that dozens of structures have been destroyed so far, but they say that they can not confirm an exact number because the area is deemed unsafe for properly badessing the damage.

Strong winds complicated firefighting efforts and limited ground capacity

"Once again, firefighter crews, who had been progressing in setting up firefighting equipment, were not able to control the fire. an anchor point and the construction of containment lines, had to withdraw from the line in several areas.most fire activities along the "A press release from the fire officials indicated the weather conditions Tuesday,

On Wednesday, a temporary flight restriction was issued for an area of ​​12 square miles above the fire up to an altitude of 12,500 meters. "This means that no aircraft will Civil aviation or recreation, such as drones is allowed in restricted airspace, "states the press release

. Of Utah Wednesday. 19659003] Gov. Gary Herbert declared a "state of emergency" on Tuesday because of the danger of high fire in the & # 39; Beehive state.

Scott McKane of Fox 13 is currently living in Duchesne County with an update, see video above for his report.

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