DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah — A wildfire was sparked by lightning Saturday on Ute Tribal land and has forced oil and gas drilling sites to constrict or close off their wells.
The Boulder Ridge Fire was first discovered around 2 p.m., according to officials with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands. It is located near Monarch Ridge and Brown's Draw Reservoir, about six miles west of the town of Neola.
In an update Sunday evening, the fire was 60 percent contained at 100 acres. The rainy weather has been "favorable" for the firefighting efforts.
On the ground, hand crews and fire engines have been working to contain the blaze.
The #BoulderRidgeFire is 60% contained. No growth in acreage reported. Fire received 1/4 inch of rain. Crews continue to work toward full suppression. Final update, barring significant developments. #blmgl pic.twitter.com/A9VHmdrYoG
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) August 15, 2022
Air resources were also deployed, including a helicopter, four large air tankers, and two smaller single-engine air tankers.
"There are oil and gas locations in the area," officials wrote in an announcement. "Energy company crews are working to shut in those wells."
Shutting-in involves putting a cap to decrease the output or completely close off the well at a drilling site, often in cases of a possible natural disaster.
