Heavy smoke from the Yellow Lake Fire is affecting surrounding counties as the fire continues to grow

UINTA WASATCH CACHE NATIONAL FOREST, Utah (KUTV) – The Yellow Lake Fire was mapped at 16,053 acres as of Monday morning and is currently 10% contained, with heavy smoke beginning to impact surrounding counties.

Officials with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Service reported that the fire remains very active and continues to grow despite decreasing wind speeds.

An inversion layer has formed in the area, causing smoke to develop in Duchesne, Summit and Wasatch counties. Authorities warn that light winds will cause stagnant smoke throughout the day.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Fire operations are ongoing along Mill Hollow Road in areas where conditions are favorable. Crews are working to establish a fire line along the western front of the fire to secure Highway 35. Efforts to protect the Soapstone area and the north and west reaches of the Duchesne River are ongoing.

Air units drop inhibitory and lighter fuels, and bulldozers can be used to accelerate the creation of fuel breaks.

Operations on the southern edge of the fire were canceled for safety reasons, but efforts in the southwest corner near Heart Lake were successfully completed.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the north and west forks of the Duchesne River, as well as a READY order for the Grandaddy Lakes area on Ashley National Forest land and Hanna.

The Yellow Lake Fire was discovered on Saturday, September 28th and has been spreading rapidly since then.

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