Utah firefighters make progress on Speirs Fire, containment reaches 30%

DAGGETT COUNTY, Utah ( ABC4 ) — The “Speirs Fire,” which sparked in Daggett County last week, is now 30% contained, according to Utah Fire Info.

Located near the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in the Ashley National Forest, the fire was estimated at 125 acres on its start date — July 13. The fire has since grown to 764 acres.

The blaze is located about three miles south of the town of Dutch John, Utah, and south of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. It is lightning-caused, officials said.

While dry, hot weather conditions are expected at the beginning of next week, fire officials said the recent weather conditions have been a big help to firefighters in their work on the Speirs Fire.

“Cloud cover, which is favorable weather, and scattered showers helped, along with night recovery, which is when the relative humidity goes up and the temperature goes down,” fire officials said. “This slowed the fire spread to help crews on the line.”

Fire containment has reportedly risen significantly as more resources have been called in. Firefighter safety remains a top priority, officials said.

“Now crews will have access to resources they need without having to hike in and out each day,” fire officials said. “Crews have been able to create five helipad locations around the fire’s perimeter.”

“The initial attack team and the team currently suppressing the fire have done excellent work in establishing strategic boundary areas to mitigate the future spread of the fire. That, along with wetter conditions, have given firefighters the upper hand. While good progress continues, the work is not done yet.”

A total of 377 fire personnel are currently at the scene.

For information on closures due to the Speirs Fire, visit the Forest Service’s website here .

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