About 45 trail cameras were destroyed during the Iron and Cherry Fires near Eureka, Utah. While the equipment was lost, some cameras recorded images of wildlife fleeing as the fires burned through thousands of acres across Juab and Tooele counties.
Mike and Eddie Clayson had spent years installing cameras along trails near Eureka to monitor cougars, coyotes, deer, elk, and badgers. Mike Clayson stated that he believes they lost 45 of their 65 cameras in the area.
Clayson noted that when his brother attempted to collect some of the equipment, many pieces were reduced to ashes. The loss is estimated to be between $4,000 and $4,500 worth of equipment. The brothers are hoping to salvage SD cards from the remains to assess the damage and view footage.
The Iron and Cherry Fires ignited in late June, causing evacuations and burning more than 76,000 acres. As of Friday, both fires were reported to be over 90% contained.
Despite the loss of equipment, Clayson said that several cameras remain in the area and they have observed wildlife wandering through the landscape following the major fires.
