VERNAL, Utah — A new wildfire has broken out near Vernal and has already grown up to 82 acres Sunday.
The Monument Fire is located 55 miles southeast of Vernal. As of 6:30 p.m., firefighters had established a "line" around approximately 70 percent of the fire. They hope to have it fully contained by midday Monday.
#MonumentFire is 82 acres, based on more accurate mapping. Crews have line around 70% of fire. Expect to have line around 100% by midday 7/24 w/ full containment by day's end. Retardant used during initial attack slowed fire spread so crews could build line. #blmgl #FireYear2023 pic.twitter.com/bVLUFKTRTG
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 24, 2023
Fire officials say the blaze was started by a lightning strike, and they expect it to remain active as the hot and dry weather, along with winds up to 15 miles per hour, will continue to fuel the flames.
Two hotshot crews have now joined other teams previously assigned to fight the fire.
