3,100 homes evacuated in Saratoga Springs by fire near Utah Lake

UPDATE: Utah fire officials initially reported a lightning strike as the cause of the Knolls Fire west of Utah Lake. On Tuesday, they said they had ruled out lightning as a cause and were now investigating human causes for the fire. The original story is below for your archived use. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah — Officials ordered 3,100 homes evacuated in Saratoga Springs after a fire broke out just west of Utah Lake — caused by a lightning strike in the area. This amounts to roughly 13,000 residents, the city tweeted Sunday evening. 

As of 7:15 p.m., there was no timeline on when residents can return to their homes — with the city encouraging evacuees to stay with friends or family until further notice. 

 

7:15PM FIRE UPDATE:
A total of 3,100 homes and 13,000 residents were evacuated. No current timeline on when they can return. Residents encouraged to stay with friends or family. If shelter is needed, go to West Lake HS where room is still available.

— Saratoga Springs UT (@saratogasprngut) June 29, 2020

 

Residents are currently being relocated at Westlake High School as the current evacuation spot, with nearly a dozen or so cars in the parking lot.

 

Heavy smoke in Saratoga Springs due to the #KnollsFire. I’m taking this from Westlake High School, which is the current evacuation spot for residents. Probably a dozen or so cars in the parking lot right now. Update in 5 minutes on @kslnewsradio. pic.twitter.com/hS44GtlNeQ

— John Wojcik (@JWojcikKSL) June 28, 2020

Roughly one-third of the population at Saratoga Springs is under mandatory evacuation — including all homes south of Grandview Blvd. on the west side of Redwood Road, according to Utah CERT Teams.

Traffic backed up on Redwood Road as thousands evacuate the Southern half of Saratoga Springs. @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/lhfmGA76bc

— Randall Jeppesen (@RJENEWS) June 28, 2020

Hotshot teams arriving in Saratoga Springs. The winds have shifted directions. pic.twitter.com/kGfqwQQUU2

— Randall Jeppesen (@RJENEWS) June 29, 2020

Earlier today: 

The Lake Mountain Estates and Pelican Bay neighborhoods of Saratoga Springs had to be evacuated Sunday afternoon shortly after lightning sparked a fire west of Utah Lake.

3:30PM UPDATE:
Residents can find shelter at local church building, located at:

2947 S Swainson Avenue
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah 84045

Please bring any readily accessible face masks during this time social distancing.

— Saratoga Springs UT (@saratogasprngut) June 28, 2020

Fire managers preparing structure protection in south Saratoga Springs in the path of the #knollsFire pic.twitter.com/wbSE6yvC3P

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 28, 2020

#KnollsFire evacuations details:

Residents in the lake mountain Estates and Pelican Bay neighborhoods advised to evacuate immediately. Structures potentially threatened. SR-73/Redwood Road close going south.

Fire behavior is erratic with heavy winds. #utfire

— Utah CERT Teams (@Utah_CERT_Teams) June 28, 2020

40-50 mph gusts on the #KnollsFire pushed fire quickly to the south end of Saratoga Springs. Evacuation of abot 45 homes underway.

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 28, 2020

And more bad news. Lightning strike this afternoon starting a fire west of Utah lake (the Knolls Fire) and moving towards Saratoga Springs. Winds gusting to 40+mph. Be vigilant and be safe.

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) June 28, 2020

In a tweet, Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox asked residents to “Be vigilant and be safe” while confirming a lightning strike as the cause of the fire near Utah Lake. 

There was no immediate word on the size of the fire, but winds in the area were gusting over 50 miles an hour at times. 

This story is breaking and will be updated. 

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