The Yellow Lake Fire covers nearly 20,000 acres and is 10% contained

Nikki Champion with the Northern Utah Type 3 Fire Management Team said a storm system moved into the area and caused smoke to clear in the surrounding valleys.

“This does not necessarily mean there is an increase in fire activity or an increased threat. Many times it can even mean the opposite, as the wind decreases and the smoke settles, which has a positive impact on fire activity,” she said.

Over 500 employees are working to contain the fire. Crews have completed their efforts to stop the fire from spreading near Mill Hollow Road. They are now working to secure this lead. The fire department assumes that the fire in this area will soon be completely contained.

The US Forest Service reports that work to secure the Soapstone fire also looks promising; The fire was contained south of Soapstone Road and there was minimal growth in that area.

However, securing the southwest corner of the Heart Lake area remains difficult for crews.

Mandatory evacuation orders for the North and West Branches of the Duchesne River remain in effect. Champion reports that all structures remain intact.

The Granddaddy Lakes area of ​​the Ashley National Forest and the town of Hanna in Duchesne County are under a “standby order,” meaning residents should have their bags packed and be ready to leave if an evacuation order is issued.

Portions of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests affected by the fire also remain closed. Highway 35 will remain closed until fire activity subsides and the road can be cleared of debris. Champion said crews are working to open the highway as quickly as possible.

“The goal is to get this open safely as quickly as possible so that it can potentially be open before the closure is lifted,” she said. “People using this as a main road or travel route should continue to be vigilant.”

Champion said the Forest Service will host a community meeting there Duchesne County Centennial Event Center in Duchesne at 6 p.m. Wednesday so community members can ask questions and get more information about the fire.