Parleys Canyon brush fire closes I-80, forces evacuations

As of Sunday morning, fire officials report the Parleys Canyon brush fire to be roughly 1,500 acres, or about half as big as they thought on Saturday. The original breaking reports continue below. 

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Fire District responded Saturday to a brush fire along I-80 in Parleys Canyon that has closed both directions of traffic just east of Lambs Canyon. Fire officials have also recommended a voluntary evacuation for residents in the Summit Park area. 

(Update 8:44 p.m.)

As of 7 p.m., the fire was 0% contained, according to Park City fire officials. It was not threatening any structures.

(Update 7:28 p.m.) 

Officials say those evacuated will have to plan to be out of their homes for the next 24 to 48 hours. An evacuation center has been set up at Park City High School.

(Update 6:07 p.m.)

The size of the fire has grown to 2,500 to 3,000 acres.

Governor Spencer Cox commented on the fire in a social media post. 

“We have been extremely blessed and lucky this fire season—but this one is big and dangerous,” he said in his post. “Please be careful and follow evacuation orders. Praying for the safety of our firefighters as the work to protect homes and lives.”

(Update 5:31 p.m.)

In a message to those residents refusing to evacuate, the Summit County Sherriff’s office said, “you are hampering efforts and are putting first responders in danger. PLEASE evacuate immediately.”

An estimated 2,400 customers have lost power. Rocky Mountain Power said power would be restored by 10 p.m.

(Update 5:06 p.m.) 

According to Utah Fire Info, the cause of the fire was by equipment.  A catalytic convertor in poor working order ejected hot particles along the roadside.

(Update 4:51 p.m.) 

6,000 to 8,000 homes have been evacuated. It includes the following communities: Summit Park, Pine Brook, Lambs Canyon & Mill Creek. An evacuation center has been set up at Park City High School. The size of the fire has grown to 2,500 to 3,000 acres.

(Update 4:44 p.m.)

Mandatory evacuations are now for Pinebrook, Timberline, and Summit Park areas. An evacuation center is being set up by the Red Cross at Park City High School.

(Update 4 p.m.) 

Mandatory fire evacuations. All Summit Park residents should evacuate immediately! The #ParleysCanyonFire is moving rapidly. Pinebrook residents should also prepare to begin evacuations.

(Update 2:43)

The I-80 is closed in both directions. The Summit Park area is being evacuated. The fire is growing rapidly. An approx. 2,000 structures and power lines are being threatened.

 

Fire Evacuation 🔥- Fire officials are recommending a voluntary evacuation for Summit Park residents. The #ParleysCanyonFire is burning in Salt Lake County. Please avoid the area and let our fire personnel do their job. #summitcounty pic.twitter.com/8x2xBGRoAC

— Sheriff Justin (@SummitCountySO) August 14, 2021

 

Whoa! A birds eye view from @KSLChopper5 of the fire up Parleys Canyon. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/4se4GeoeZW

— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) August 14, 2021

 

 

 

Get live traffic updates from KSL NewsRadio here. 

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An earlier version of this story follows. 

 

Fire officials say the fire prompted a huge response between mile markers 137 and 138 on I-80. Eastbound delays begin around Mountain Dell. Multiple fire trucks and agencies responded to the scene. 

Fire affecting roadway
EB I-80 at MP 137 (E of Lambs Canyon) Salt Lake Co.
Right Shoulder,
Est. Clearance Time: 4:00 PM
For updates: https://t.co/jaVMw7vcLm

— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) August 14, 2021

PCFD is currently working a brush fire off of I 80 between mile markers 137 and 138. Multiple fire trucks and multiple agencies on scene.

We will continue to update as information comes in. #pcfd #pcfire #parkcityfire #brushfire #firefighters pic.twitter.com/RZYDUP8Jgv

— Park City Fire (@PCFireDistrict) August 14, 2021

Utah Fire Information said crews continue to investigate the cause of the fire. 

New Start: #Parleys137Fire is located off of I-80 near mile marker 137 in Parley’s Canyon. Multiple ground & air resources are responding. Fire cause is under investigation. More info will be posted when available. #kmyffsl pic.twitter.com/fvizSCrP3B

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) August 14, 2021

 

This story will be updated.