Updated mapping shows fire near Ensign Peak at 204 acres

Utah fire officials said Sunday afternoon that “existing firelines continue to hold” on the Sandhurst Fire burning in the foothills near Ensign Peak above the Utah Capitol.

At noon on Sunday, the wildfire was reported to be about 204 acres with 0% containment, but fire crews believed that nearby neighborhoods are no longer threatened, according to Utah Fire Info. The latest estimate on acreage is based on a flight measurement and GPS support. The previous estimate was 400 acres.

Utah Fire Info posted that the current firelines were holding just before 4:30 p.m. but warned: “Just because active flames or smoke isn’t visible doesn’t mean there isn’t still fire or heat. Help firefighters by staying away, avoid roads, and stay off trails near the fire area to avoid impacting suppression efforts.”

Many crews and equipment ordered overnight have arrived at the fire area to support suppression efforts. City Creek is still closed north of Bonneville Boulevard for firefighter and public safety

Radio towers, the City Creek watershed and multiple other structures were a concern late Saturday, but early Sunday the fire appeared to have missed the radio towers, Brian Trick of Northern Fire Protection told KSL NewsRadio.

Fire crews worked through the night focusing on structure protection, as the state’s Northern Utah Type 3 team took command. Approximately 20 homes have been evacuated with air resources returning Sunday morning, according to Utah Fire Info.

On Sunday afternoon the cause of the blaze remained under investigation, fire officials said.

Over 100 firefighters had worked on the fire Saturday and Brian LaFontaine of the Type 3 team estimated another 75 were en route to assist Sunday.

The fire was first reported as a brush fire shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The fire quickly grew in size, prompting Salt Lake Fire to request assistance from Salt Lake police in notifying community members about evacuations and traffic control. Police also evacuated and shut down Memory Grove Park to allow firefighters to access a water source safely.

Some mandatory evacuations are still in place for north of Dorchester, including Twickenham Drive, on Sunday morning while some voluntary evacuations have been lifted. Firefighters are working to keep the fire out of the communities and City Creek drainage, according to Utah Fire Info.

Several roads have been shut down to continue to allow access to fire crews and police including East Capitol Boulevard, North Bonneville Road, and City Creek Canyon Road.

Officials said five wildland engines, one water tender and two crews were working on the blaze and air support will continue to be used as they prepare for hot, dry conditions.

Contributing : Mark Jackson