Crews continue to battle the Maeser Highway Fire that was reported
at 1:40pm on Friday
near the gravel pit off SR-121. As of late
Friday night
, the fire was estimated to have spread to over 1000 acres. An initial evacuation of the Yellow Hills Subdivision was called off but the Painted Hills Subdivision remains on watch. All are urged to avoid the Coalmine Basin area as fire operations are ongoing there. According to fire PIO Don Jakes, the fire did burn around some industrial structures but no damage was done and no homes have been affected. The fire has been attacked from the air with 3 heavy and 2 smaller air tankers working into the night. Additional helicopters were also getting loads and making drops on hot spots. The fire continues to burn but retardant was placed and cooler night temperatures are hoped to help tame the spread of the blaze. Winds are anticipated for Saturday but crews will be out in full force with hopes of starting fire containment. Around 77 firefighters have assisted so far including the Vernal, Jensen, Naples and Lapoint/Tridell departments as well as parks, BLM, BIA, and state lands.
