Wildfire consumes several acres in Washington County
Jun 20, 2023, 6:40 AM | Updated: 6:56 am
The Dixie Springs Fire had burned approximately 100 acres Monday, June 20, 2023. (KSL-TV)
(KSL-TV)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — A wildfire is burning in Washington County, threatening multiple structures.
The Dixie Springs Fire had burned approximately 100 acres and was 2% contained as of Monday night. State fire authorities said over 50 homes are threatened, but no evacuations had been issued.
It began around 6 p.m. Monday off of Flora Tech Road, north of Dixie Springs and state Route 9 and state Route 7.
High winds were pushing the fire, which was moving quickly. Crews were monitoring the winds very closely but said forward progression of the fire was stopped Monday night. Their message to residents in the area — if the winds shift, there could be evacuations.
The Utah Department of Transportation tweeted the fire was impacting nearby roads with all directions of S.R. 7 closed from 3000 South to the S.R. 9 junction.
Fire Affecting Roadway
All Directions SR 7 Closed
Between MP 23 and MP 26 (3000 S to SR-9 Jct) Washington Co.
Use Alt Route
For updates: https://t.co/jaVMw7e9Jm— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) June 20, 2023
“Just keep your eyes peeled and be ready in case the winds switch and it starts moving its way back toward structures, but no immediate evacuations,” Heber Heyder, Washington County Fire Warden said.
Residents there were watching the flames, hoping they stay away from their homes.
“The winds as hard as it’s blowing you can see it’s just marching to the south,” said Jay Jones, a resident of the area.
Crews do believe this is human-caused but that is still under investigation.
Related: Wildfire smoke from Canada could create hazy skies in Utah
