Sandhurst Fire smaller than originally projected, evacuations lifted
Jul 20, 2024, 5:31 PM | Updated: Jul 21, 2024, 10:49 pm
This story has been edited from its original form to reflect that all evacuations have been conditionally lifted as of late Sunday, July 21, 2024. Residents must be prepared to evacuate again if necessary.
SALT LAKE CITY — A day after ordering evacuations for residents near a fire that started Saturday afternoon on Ensign Peak. , the Salt Lake City Police Department and the United States Forest Service said residents may return to their homes, with the understanding that officials could order new evacuations if conditions worsened.
In a news release, Forest Service spokesman Brian Trick confirmed the lifted evacuation orders. He said residents should follow Utah Fire Info for any possible updates here.
The Salt Lake City Fire Department provided the Utah Capitol’s east building to anyone evacuated who needed shelter.
Sunday morning, Utah Fire Info said no one had reported structural damage to homes due to the Sandhurst fire.
UFI added no radio towers appeared to have structural damage, either.
Sandhurst fire on Ensign Peak smaller than originally thought
The fire was thought to have grown to 400 acres by Sunday morning and was 0% contained, according to a UFI Facebook post. But by noon Sunday, the UFI stated that the fire measured in at a much smaller 204 acres.
The UFI said in an X post that they estimated the new acreage using GPS support and a flyover.
“Despite rumors, the cause is still under investigation,” UFI said in the X post. “No cause has been determined or released by authorities.”
According to UFI, firefighters who worked around the perimeter of the fire on Saturday night saw little growth of the fire.
About 100 firefighters stayed on scene Saturday night to fight the flames. Crews closed Tunnel Springs Park temporarily to use it as a helibase, according to the South Davis Metro Fire Service Area.
It’s wildfire season in Utah, here’s what you need to know to be ready to evacuate
Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are in place because of the Sandhurst Fire at Ensign Peak.
Other areas evacuated after Ensign Peak Fire
Officials closed City Creek Canyon and the canyon’s road because of the Sandhurst Fire on Ensign Peak Saturday. Utah Fire Info also posted on social media that radio towers and the City Creek watershed, among other structures, were at risk from the fire.
Related: Utah Fire Watch
As of the latest report, no hikers were in the area when the fire broke out. Currently, crews believe no one was hurt in the fire.
This is a developing news story and will be updated.
