SANPETE COUNTY, Utah - Residents from 550 homes in Sanpete County evacuated as a grass fire grew to more than 30,000 acres on Sunday.
The American Red Cross was on-hand to provide food, shelter and other services to residents of Fountain Green, Fairview and Indianola, who were evacuated from their homes early Sunday morning as the human-caused Wood Hollow Fire quickly grew to thousands of acres.
As the number of evacuations increased, the Red Cross was forced to move to a new relief center at North Sanpete High School in Mt. Pleasant on 390 East and 700 South.
"As things geared up we've had to come here to the high school in Mount Pleasant, North Sanpete High School and open a shelter for overnight," said Cathy Christensen, spokesperson for the American Red Cross.
The shelter, which accommodates about 500 people, will remain open overnight with cots and food for those who need a place to stay.
Some local volunteers say the evacuations hit close to home and they want to do whatever they can to help out.
"Another friend, his family lives out there and they're trying to get all of their valuables gathered and bring them to a safe place," said Annalisa Mower. "All I can think is it's good that we live in a small community where everyone helps everyone."
With fires scorching tens of thousands of acres across the state, the American Red Cross says they're getting stretched pretty thin with relief efforts, but they're prepared to stay and help for as long as they're needed.
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