Officials looking for person linked to Monroe wildfire, as over 5,000 acres burn

MONROE, Utah — Forest officials are asking the public to help identify individuals who might be linked to the Monroe Mountain wildfire. According to the Utah Fire Info, the fire has burned “5,028+ acres and growing.”

A Facebook post from the U.S. Forest Service of Fishlake National Forest said an individual was seen driving a UTV on the west side of Monroe Mountain around 2:30 p.m. on July 13.

Public information officer Connor Maher said authorities still don’t know the cause of the fire but are hoping to gather more information.

The Forest Service’s post stated the UTV was described as a two-door, dark blue vehicle with red and white markings and a cracked front windshield on the passenger side.

“We’re also looking for anybody that might have seen or was the potential owner of a UTV that was in the area,” Maher said. “We’re just looking for information on that person or persons who were operating that UTV.”

If you have any information related to the vehicle, contact U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations at 801-388-3402.

“Any information is helpful, especially anybody who was up in the area that might have seen anything,” Maher said.

Fire continues to burn

Utah Fire Info said a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., as gusting winds and dry weather conditions add to the fire.

A Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory has also been put into effect, hitting areas in Central and Southern Utah.

Utah Fire Info reminds the public that the Monroe Canyon Road is closed and to avoid the area as efforts to put out the fire continue.

KSL NewsRadio’s Eric Cabrera and Sam Herrera contributed to this report.

Related stories: Monroe Canyon Fire grows to nearly 4,000 acres, threatens dozens of structures in Sevier County