The Black Canyon Fire has reached 3,549 acres and is 26% contained, according to a report published August 14. The fire, which was caused by lightning on July 30, straddles the border between Sanpete and Emery counties and is located approximately 16 miles east of Ephraim and north of Joes Valley Reservoir.
According to an update issued Friday by the U.S. Forest Service-Manti-La Sal National Forest, wetter and cooler weather over the last several days has allowed firefighters to make progress. Wildland fire crews recently established a handline along the northeastern portion of the fire. To protect the Reeder Subdivision, handline was also completed along the southern portion of Reeder Ridge, connecting to a previously completed dozer line.
Firefighting resources assigned to the fire include seven aircraft, 20 engines, 13 crews, four dozers, and 449 personnel. Aviation resources will continue to support operations, with helicopters performing water and bucket drops alongside three CL0415 scooper aircrafts assisting with water drops.
In the coming days, wildland fire crews plan to focus on reinforcing, strengthening, and completing dozer lines on the western perimeter of the fire. Firefighters will also continue to strengthen contingency lines along Skyline Road and increase protection around logging decks in the Black Canyon area.
Road closures remain unchanged. The Reeder Subdivision remains on GO evacuation status. For updates, officials suggest visiting the Emery County Sheriff Facebook page.
