JUAB COUNTY, Utah — Crews are battling a 1,500-acre wildfire in Juab County that is threatening several ranches and a historic trail.
The cause of the Choke Cherry Fire, which started Monday, was a lightning strike, according to a tweet from the Utah Fire Info. The fire is burning in the Deep Creek Wilderness Study area and on BLM lands near the historic Pony Express-Overland Stage Trail near the town of Callao, according to a press release from the Bureau of Land Management.
“Focus is on minimizing impacts to the wilderness values and preserving the historic and cultural areas around this mountain range,” the release states.
Monday’s dry conditions and high winds of 10-20 mph helped fan the flames. On Tuesday, seven retardant drops occurred on the perimeter lines, the release states.
Resource teams also worked the northeast side of the blaze with three helicopters dropping water from buckets.
A total of 167 fire personnel are on scene. Five engines, three helicopters with bucket capabilities, three airplanes and Smoke Jumper Crew out of Boise are on scene.
No injuries have been reported at this time. While structures are threatened, the release states, no evacuations have been ordered.
