Single Publication

The current weather forecast calls for continued warm and dry conditions over the fire area. This will continue to dry out fuels and make them more available to burn. A weather system is expected to bring moisture to the region on Thursday. This system may be proceeded by dry lightning and erratic outflow winds. Firefighters are strengthening containment lines in anticipation of a possible wind test for the fire area.

Fire crews carried out a low intensity firing operation yesterday along the Speirs Fire's northern perimeter and will continue today. This operation is intended to eliminate pockets of unburned fuels along the perimeter and create a more consistent and manageable containment line.

Hand crews are working diligently on the eastern end of the fire. The progress here has been slower than in other sections of the fire due to very steep terrain and a significant amount of dead and down fuels. Containment along the fire's southern flank has been extended from the western end down to Helispot 5 near the most southerly point of the fire area. Mop-up has been carried out to a depth of 30 feet in from the edge along the perimeter, and crews continue to work through the area, deepening and strengthening the containment line.
 

Today, an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) team arrived on the fire. They have begun flying over the north area of the fire to search for any concealed heat sources outside the containment lines. The UAS will map this area using infrared sensors and then proceed into the area south of the fire footprint where heat from earlier spot fires may have lain undiscovered.

Closures:
The Forest Service has approved an updated evacuation plan for the Firefighters Memorial Campground and Greendale Group Campsite, which will be implemented in the event of a flare-up of the Speirs Fire. With this plan in place, Forest officials are comfortable reopening the Firefighters Memorial Campground and Greendale Group Campsite. Campers will be allowed to reenter these campgrounds beginning today at 10:00 AM. 

Being on or within the following campgrounds, roads, and trails are prohibited on the Flaming Gorge Ranger District on the Ashley National Forest: Forest Service Road (FSR) 610, FSR 689, Lowline trail FST103, its junction with the Pipe Creek Trail, FST 003. Forest Service Trail 003 from the beginning at the junction with FST 103 to the junction of Forest Service Trail 004 and Forest Service Trail 004 to Greens Draw Road 049. For more information on existing closures, please visit the Ashely National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ashley/alerts-notices

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in effect over the Speirs Fire area. Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)/drones is illegal within the TFR.

Start date: July 13, 2024 
Location: Approximately three miles south of the town of Dutch John, Utah and south of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Fire size: 715 acres (decrease in acres due to more accurate mapping)
Containment: 48%
Total personnel: 431
Cause: Naturally-Caused, Lightning

Speirs Fire Information Number: 435-709-8209 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.)

​*There is a decrease in acres from 764 to 715, due to more accurate mapping and the closure for the campground/group sites will be rescinded at 10:00 AM this morning. The official order and updated map will be shared at 10:00 AM, as well.