Fire Containment Increases

Utah’s two largest remaining wildfires are now more than half contained, according to an update released by firefighting officials. The Pole Creek Fire burning in southeastern Utah County is now 56 percent contained — a jump in containment from 41 percent Monday. Great Basin Incident Management Team officials said they were able to increase containment along U.S. Highway 89 corridor at the southern side of the fire northeast of Indianola. Crews also gained more control on the nearby Bald Mountain Fire, which is now 71 percent contained, up from 61 percent earlier Tuesday, according to fire officials. The Pole Creek Fire has burned 101,843 acres since it was sparked by lightning Sept. 6 and is Utah’s largest wildfire this year. More than 1,100 personnel are fighting the fire, including 60 engines, 18 water tenders and seven helicopters.