Wildfire update: Several fires continue to burn throughout northern Utah

UPDATED: 8 p.m. 9/12/2024

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Several wildfires sparked across northern Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 11, adding plumes of smoke to the already hazy skies.

The National Weather Service had issued a red flag warning for northern and eastern Utah, saying critical fire weather conditions will exist through the day. NWS explained the southwesterly winds with gusts of up to 45 miles per hour would combine with humidity levels near 6-14% to create critical fire conditions. Fires that could start run the risk of spreading rapidly, fueled by strong warm strong winds.

That’s exactly what happened as lightning sparked fires in Tooele County, Box Elder County, and Davis County overnight into Wednesday morning. These fires spread quickly, burning buildings and forcing an evacuation order.

For the latest on each of Utah’s latest fires see below:

Feed Lot Fire – Box Elder County

The Feed Lot Fire sparked Wednesday night near Howell in Box Elder County. Utah Fire officials originally estimated the size of the fire to be about 150 acres but has since spread to be about 600 acres. Officials said the flames and smoke were visible from I-84.

The fire is believed to have been started by lightning in the area and was pushed by strong winds. Two buildings were reported to be threatened by the flames. It is 50% contained as of Thursday afternoon. Several engines will remain on scene, they anticipate full containment on Friday.

Willow Springs Fire – Box Elder County

The Willow Springs Fire was originally the most widespread fire, which started on Wednesday. Fire officials said the flames quickly spread to about 350 acres. According to the Utah Fire Dashboard, the fire has been 100% contained.

The fire has destroyed one large outbuilding. Officials said the Willow Springs Fire was human-caused and is currently under investigation.

Utah Fire Info said engines were on the scene throughout Thursday. Firefighters were successful in securing the fire’s edge.

Rudd Creek Fire – Davis County

A lightning-caused fire near Farmington Canyon in Davis County, the Rudd Creek Fire has spread 20 acres and is 0% contained as of the latest update. The fire spread quickly through grass and brush near the canyon on steep rocky terrain.

The U.S. Forest Service said about 55 firefighters were assigned to fight the fire, including an engine crew and a helicopter crew. Strong winds initially made battling the flames difficult for the helicopter crews, as they were forced to land on Wednesday afternoon due to unsafe flying conditions.

South Willow Fire – Tooele County

The South Willow Fire has burned 48 acres since starting on Wednesday. As of Thursday night, the Utah Fire Dashboard does not show the South Willow Fire.

The last update from Utah Fire Info from Wednesday night was that the fire was mapped at 48 acres, 10% contained and crews would be back on Thursday to continue containment.

Smoke update

Smoke from the Utah fires – as well as fires from southern California – are expected to linger along the Wasatch Front through Thursday, Sept. 12. ABC4’s 4Warn Weather Team expects the smoke to begin clearing out into Friday as winds shift from a southwesterly flow to a more northwesterly flow.

The change in winds, however, may not offer much relief from the smoky skies. The winds could begin carrying smoke from the Box Elder County fires and fires in eastern Idaho and Oregon into the Beehive State.

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