Evacuees from Dollar Ridge Fire return to homes, 30 percent contained
Jul 7, 2018, 11:17 AM | Updated: 10:44 pm
DUCHESNE, Utah – Some people evacuated from their homes due to the Dollar Ridge Fire are being allowed to return Saturday.
The wildfire shifted to areas with less vegetation to keep the fire spreading. With that and firefighters’ effort officials say the Dollar Ridge Fire is at 30 percent contained.
Earlier Saturday those evacuated out of Zone 3, which includes areas on Sam’s Wash Road and near Starvation Reservoir, were allowed to return home at 10 a.m. Saturday, according to KSL’s Alex Cabrero.
UPDATE : some evacuations are being pulled on the #DollarRidgeFire. Residents in Zone 3 can go back home beginning at 10am today. This is Sams Wash Road to Starvation Reservoir. pic.twitter.com/bhPCGFuXDE
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 7, 2018
Even though those people can return home, officials say evacuations could happen again.
“These residents need to remain on high alert and be prepared to evacuate Zone 3 again if fire behavior changes,” the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office said.
Officials say more people should be able to go home Sunday morning as well.
Fire crews were able to slow the growth of the fire Friday and hope to make some good progress over the next few days. Officials say the goal is to have the Dollar Ridge Fire contained by July 20th.
This fire near Strawberry Reservoir started July 1 and officials believe it to be human caused, but are not sure exactly how it began. It has burned over 47,000 acres and is currently at five percent contained.
WEST VALLEY FIRE
Fire officials say the West Valley Fire in Washington County is 46 percent contained.
“Despite the immense growth during the first few days, fire progression slowed greatly the last few days, allowing firefighters to make significant progress,” fire officials said in a statement.
Firefighters on the #WestValleyFire reached 46% containment. Crews have been working diligently to gain ground on this fire, with acreage only increasing to 11,770. We are starting to make significant progress and hope to continue to see increased containment.
PC: Mike McMillan pic.twitter.com/7PCx5QB2NY— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 7, 2018
The blaze has burned over 11,000 acres. Crews say lower temperatures, decreased wind, and higher humidity have contributed to slowing the fire.
