‘It’s going to break a lot of people’s hearts’: Monroe residents watch as fire burns beloved mountain

MONROE, Sevier County — There are some towns where there are no such things as strangers. Monroe, in Sevier County, is one of them.

“Everybody is so friendly to one another,” said Anna Chavez, who’s visiting family in the small town. “You can’t walk by anywhere without people waving to you.”

On most days, that simple hospitality is what defines Monroe. Neighbors gather in front yards, swapping stories and enjoying the slow pace of a small Utah town.

“Barbecue or sit out front and just wait for people to drive by,” laughed longtime resident Matt Damoude.

But lately, all those friendly waves have turned into concerned looks toward the mountains above.

The Monroe Canyon Fire, burning for nearly three weeks now, has torched more than 57,000 acres.

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Though it hasn’t reached the town itself, it has filled the sky with dark smoke and falling ashes.

“We actually saw flames last night,” Chavez said. “It’s kind of scary. I feel heartbroken for all the families who lost their cabins up there.”

Firefighters have worked around the clock to protect homes and to try and contain the fire.

Crews were able to keep flames from jumping across Highway 24.

A combination of crews on the ground and aircraft in the air has helped slow its spread, but as of Saturday morning, as the fire grew — only about 4% of it is currently contained.

Even still, firefighters seeing some success, such as keeping it from crossing the highway.

“We got lucky that even with the crazy winds, which we have had for eight days in a row here now, we have got some wins on the fire yesterday,” said Jess Clark, who is a public information officer assigned to the Monroe Canyon Fire.

Damond’s has been watching some of those efforts.

“They did have the big jets in there with the retardant,” he said. “And the water drops, which are good, which again can slow it down quite a bit.”

For Damoude, like many others in the area, the mountain is more than just a scenic backdrop to their town. It’s part of life.

“It’s just a really awesome place to be,” he said. “You take your family up there and just go. Just for a night drive, an afternoon drive, it’s so beautiful up there. And the animals. The wildlife is amazing.”

Marissa Anderson, who also lives in Monroe and joined her friends outside to watch the fire, said the mountain is where they would cut their Christmas tree every year.

“Yeah, it is super fun and lots of people here do those things,” Anderson said. “They go up the mountain and it’s basically like your spot to play.”

Others spend afternoons hiking, fishing and exploring the area.

It’s the kind of place where family memories are made.

“Hopefully it turns out that we can still play up there,” Anderson said.

Fire crews say challenging terrain, persistent wind and dry fuel have made this fire especially difficult to fight.

Still, they’re determined to get it out, and the people in Monroe are noticing their efforts through tough conditions.

“They’re doing an awesome job in this heat and with all the gear they’re wearing,” Damoude said.

Eventually, the smoke will clear, but what’s left behind won’t be easy for this community to face.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to be till they let us go up there and see the damage,” Damoude said. “It’s going to break a lot of people’s hearts.”

A community meeting about the fire is planned for 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening at the Sorensen Administration Building on the Snow College campus in Richfield.