Some firefighters temporarily pulled due to lightning near the Monroe Canyon Fire
Aug 16, 2025, 3:50 PM
A map of the Monroe Canyon Fire on Aug. 16, 2025. (U.S. Forest Service)
(U.S. Forest Service)
SALT LAKE CITY — A fire in both the Sevier and Piute counties has grown to 73,655 acres on Saturday and is at 55% containment.
In a news release provided by the U.S. Forest Service, fire officials said the Monroe Canyon Fire was “creeping and smoldering” on Friday after low temperatures struck the fire, along with cloud cover and relative humidity.
According to the forest service, some firefighters had to be pulled from fighting the fire due to weather creating dangerous conditions.
“Some crews were pulled off the line to avoid lightning yesterday and that may be the case today as critical repair work has begun in the north end of the fire at Bear Valley,” the news release said. “Crews solidified containment at Big Lake yesterday and will continue to mop up and strengthen lines all around the fire.”
The temperatures in the eastern area of the fire fell to the 40s as the fire service said half an inch of rain fell on the fire.
“Precipitation was nominal on the west side. Scattered thunderstorms today are expected to produce similar localized conditions with lightning, winds, rain, lower temperatures, and cloud cover,” the forest service said.
The forest service said Saturday’s weather could help to slow the fire.
“Today’s forecast is for an easing of fire conditions today and tomorrow although relative humidity of 20% is still considered adequate to produce moderate fire behavior.”
The news release also stated that a community meeting is set to happen on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be located at the Sevier Valley Center.
