DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah-Wednesday, as the Dollar Ridge Fire continues, Morgan Saxton of KUTV 2 News in Salt Lake City confirms that a burn scar is still noticeable from U.S. Highway 40 where it jumped across the road.
Furthermore, Saxton reports, more residents will be allowed to return to their homes to see what’s left of their residences.
In a collaborative effort from Rae Ann Christensen of KUTV 2 News and Utah Wildfire, the fire was able to reach 50 percent containment Tuesday evening because of propitious weather conditions. Most of the blaze has been successfully combated at the northern flank of the fire.
Comparably favorable conditions are expected to be prevalent Wednesday as there will be scattered thunderstorms and showers with temperatures in the low 80’s in the region today.
Winds will come out of the south-southwest at 4-8 mph with gusts up to 15 miles per hour.
The present toll of damage assessment from the blaze, per Utah Wildfire, consists of 74 homes destroyed, six others damaged, 131 camp trailers damaged or destroyed, 81 utility trailers damaged or destroyed, 158 sheds or agricultural buildings damaged or destroyed and 25 vehicles damaged or destroyed.
As of 12:23 pm MDT, Utah Wildfire reported the regular speed limit has been reestablished along U.S. Highway 40 but authorities still ask that drivers drive cautiously through the affected region.
As of 2:47 pm MDT, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest has closed access roads to Timber Canyon.
This includes Forest Road 147 and Road 81.
The forest has shut down these roads in hopes of giving fire crews a chance to construct fire line.
They have been using retardant drops and vegetation in hopes of accomplishing this.
As of 9:46 pm MDT, Utah Wildfire reports the fire is 60 percent contained with 56,687 acres scorched and 857 personnel are currently assigned to combat this blaze.
