Eureka hosting event to make sandbags for homeowners near burn scars

EUREKA, Juab  —  Eureka City officials are asking for any and all help making sandbags Monday night for homeowners living on the edge of the Iron and Cherry Fire burn scars.

The Iron Fire is now 100% contained after burning more than 41,000 acres. As of early Monday afternoon the Cherry Fire had burned more than 34,000 acres and was 93% according to Utah Fire Info.

But, KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson said monsoonal rain could start as early as next week, which poses a threat for people living near those burn scars.

Eureka City Mayor Robert Jenkins told KSL that the last time they prepared sandbags related to a major fire was after the Railroad Fire scorched more than 60,000 acres back in 1999.

“A lot of the newer residents have never really experienced anything like this,” Jenkins said. “I’ve only been mayor for about six months … it’s a lot to kind of take in.”

Jenkins said they’re hoping to make somewhere in the realm of 700 to 800 sandbags on Monday night for people living near the Iron and Cherry Fire burn scars.

Why there is a danger

 Flooding is possible, Jenkins said, because the town of Eureka is in a canyon. But he also said that some homeowners literally have a burn scar in their backyards. The fire came so close that some homeowners weren’t expecting their homes to be standing after the flames were out.

“When they returned and their homes were still there, it just emphasized the need to to have something ready … to continue that defense so [firefighter’s] efforts weren’t in vain,” Jenkins said.

People who wish to help prepare sandbags are asked to bring gloves and a shovel to the Eureka Town Maintenance Shed tonight. The event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

You can find more information on Eureka City’s website.

 

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