A fourth grass fire in three days erupted overnight just south and west of previous blazes in western Box Elder County, according to Utah Fire Info. The Owen Canyon Fire, originally named the Chokecherry Fire, was reported just after 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, as a 50-acre blaze exhibiting active fire behavior near Promontory Point.
Owen Canyon Fire Emerges
The Owen Canyon Fire is burning in Chokecherry Canyon near Promontory Point, specifically in the Fort Ranch/Messix Peak area west of Corinne. This new blaze began just hours after evacuation orders were lifted for residents affected by the Harley Fire. While the Harley Fire was brought under control, the emergence of the Owen Canyon Fire has prompted renewed responses from fire resources in the region.
Harley Fire Containment and Damage
The Harley Fire, located in the Garland area, reached 75 percent containment by 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. Following this progress, officials lifted evacuation orders for residents on Harley Drive and moved those on Radio Hill from a ready status back to normal status. The Harley Fire was mapped at a total of 199 acres and caused intermittent closures of both northbound and southbound lanes of I-15 near mile markers 381 to 385 during its activity on Friday, August 21.
While no primary structures were lost in the Harley Fire, officials confirmed that some secondary structures and equipment within the fire area sustained damage. As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, power remained out along Harley Drive while utility crews worked to repair damage to power structures. Investigators have determined the Harley Fire was human-caused, though the specific cause remains under investigation.
Salt Wells Fire Progress
In Hansel Valley, north and west of the Tremonton-Garland area, the Salt Wells Fire continues to burn. This fire, which began Friday morning, August 21, was already 400 acres at the time of its initial announcement. By 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, the Salt Wells Fire grew to an estimated 585 acres but reached 90 percent containment.
Firefighters have been working to establish a perimeter and mop up the interior of the Salt Wells Fire. Officials noted that crews have made significant progress despite facing temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and breezy conditions. The cause of the Salt Wells Fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.
Recent Fire History
The recent surge in fire activity in Box Elder County includes the Little Mountain Fire, which began on Thursday, August 20, west of Bear River City. Although the fire was initially described as threatening structures, no such damage has been reported. By the morning of Friday, August 21, the Little Mountain Fire was estimated at 560 acres and was 75 percent contained.
Regional Fire Summary
The succession of four fires in three days highlights a period of intense fire activity for the western side of Box Elder County. As of Saturday night, officials continue to monitor the active Owen Canyon Fire while managing the containment of the Salt Wells and Little Mountain fires.
