Forest Service representatives have advised that re-entry into public lands closed due to the Yellow Lake Fire may take some time due to ongoing safety threats.
During a community meeting on Saturday, Oct. 19, officials were questioned about when the closures in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which, might be lifted. Forest managers indicated they are actively working to reopen areas to the public but only when it is safe to do so.
The primary concern is the presence of “snags,” or dead and dying trees weakened by fire or beetle infestations, which could fall and injure visitors. Crews are currently locating and removing hazardous trees. Officials warned that "unwary forest visitors also risk stepping into stump holes that may be smoldering beneath the ground, which can sometimes cause serious burn injuries.
Authorities explained that the re-entry process could take a while due to the fire's size, which has burned 33,041 acres and is 31% contained as of Sunday morning. The rough terrain, current ground conditions, and recent weather patterns, including precipitation that has not yet dried out and a chance of rain again on Sunday afternoon, are also factors.
Despite recent rain and snow, isolated hot spots remain scattered across several areas. As firefighting conditions improve, the fire perimeter will be reassessed, and the containment percentage is expected to rise. A community meeting regarding the current conditions of the Yellow Lake Fire will be held at the Tabiona School gymnasium at 4 p.m. on Oct. 20.
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