Buckley Draw Fire’s west edge is contained, but fire still spreading east

PROVO — The Buckley Draw Fire that started outside Provo Sunday is now 21% contained, the U.S. Forest Service reported on Wednesday.

That containment is centered on the western edge of the fire that was closest to structures in the valley.

“This decreases the threat to the Provo area, and fire managers are feeling comfortable with the progress made protecting the communities,” the Forest Service said.

The latest reported size for the Buckley Draw Fire is 446 acres, but the Forest Service said the perimeter is likely slightly larger in reality, due to growth in the east that hadn’t been calculated yet.

“The fire continues to be active throughout the day, and overnight. Most of the fire activity remains on the eastern perimeter, not visible from Provo,” the Forest Service said. “While the fire has reached 20% containment, the rest of containment will be slow progress.”

Containment will be difficult because of the rough terrain the fire is burning in. The Forest Service said portions of the fire are inaccessible to both ground crews and aircraft, as flames slowly creep through steep rock.

Another challenge to firefighters, officials said, was bee and hornet stings: Many firefighters have been stung, and the Forest Service said paramedics have had to stay near crews to mitigate medical concerns.

On Tuesday, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said air support on the fire had to be suspended multiple times the day before because drones were spotted over the fire, posing a significant danger to firefighters. Officials said there were at least four instances of what they called “drone incursions.”

“Fire managers are working with law enforcement to identify these drone users and will take proper legal action when caught. We are also looking to incorporate drone identifier technology, which will make that identification easier,” the Forest Service said Tuesday.

Officials warned that people caught flying drones over an active wildfire will face serious consequences.

Area closures

Part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is closed in the area while crews continue fighting the fire:

The Forest Service said firefighters have seen hikers heading up into closed areas, particularly around the “Y” outside Provo, and officials urged everyone to obey posted wildfire closures.

There were no active evacuations in connection to the Buckley Draw Fire as of Wednesday.