Firefighters from multiple local, state, and federal agencies responded Wednesday night, August 6, to a new wildfire burning in the foothills east of Stansbury Park. The blaze, identified as the Bates Fire, was reported near the base of Bates Canyon Road, according to the North Tooele Fire District.
The fire was initially estimated at approximately 30 acres, according to Utah Fire Info. While communication towers are located on the ridge above the fire, officials stated that no structures were threatened and no homes or other structures were immediately at risk. No evacuation orders or road closures had been announced as of Wednesday night.
Multiple ground crews and firefighting aircraft were assigned to the incident. The Utah Task Force responded from Brigham City to reinforce suppression efforts, according to Utah Fire Info. North Tooele Fire District reported that its firefighters were working alongside crews from the Bureau of Land Management, Grantsville Fire Department, Tooele City Fire Department, and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to contain the blaze.
The fire is burning in rugged terrain east of Stansbury Park. The cause of the fire has not been released.
Fire officials are reminding the public to avoid the area to ensure emergency vehicles can access the scene safely. Officials noted that drones are prohibited near firefighting operations because they can force firefighting aircraft to be grounded.
