‘Steep, rugged terrain’: Silver King Fire grows to nearly 3,000 acres

MARYSVALE, Utah ( ABC4 ) — A wildfire that kicked up in Piute County Friday morning dramatically increased in size throughout Saturday, according to Utah Fire Info.

The wildfire — named the Silver King Fire — is located around eight miles west of Marysvale and 17 miles southwest of Monroe, in the Fishlake National Forest. On Saturday morning, the fire was estimated to be about 686 acres in size, and was burning in “very steep and rugged terrain with limited accessibility,” according to Utah Fire Info.

Around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Utah Fire Info gave an update and said the fire was estimated at 2,830 acres and was “exhibiting extreme fire behavior.”

Officials said the fire was pushing south through the Beaver Creek drainage, and it was burning “in heavy dead and down timber stands.”

As of Friday night, firefighters were able to hold the fire west of the 113 road, Kimberly Road. This provided protection for the historic Silver King Mine in the Old Kimberly Mining District.

Crews were looking to build out the fireline Saturday, where possible, and were scouting areas for safe access.

“Today crews protected the Historic Silver King Mine and worked to catch spot fires in an attempt to prevent fire spread to the north,” Utah Fire Info said on Saturday night.

Officials determined the cause of the Silver King Fire to be lightning.

A Red Flag Warning is currently in place, citing hot, dry, and windy conditions with low relative humidity.

“Please avoid the areas of the Beaver Creek drainage and Bullion drainage to provide for the safety of firefighters and the public,” fire officials said on Saturday.

As of Saturday morning, one hot shot crew, four engines, and an aircraft were on scene, and more resources have reportedly been ordered and are en route to assist.

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