The Big Hollow Fire continued to rage Friday, as firefighter crews worked tirelessly to protect the town of Daniel. Heber Valley residents watched as huge flames were clearly visible on the mountain Thursday night. Big Hollow Fire had consumed 418 acres and was 22% contained by Friday evening.
It began at around 4:30 pm Thursday afternoon, just above the Big Hollow Shooting Range. The specific cause is still under investigation. It was determined to be a human-caused fire, based on lightning maps of the area. Those responsible could face criminal charges. There also may be civil penalties to pay for the expensive firefighting operation.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered at about 10:15 pm Thursday for part of Little Sweden Road. However, the order decreased to voluntary evacuations at 11:30 pm. The voluntary evacuations included from 1200 E. to Daniels Road.
Winds, steep terrain, and poor access made it more difficult to fight the fire on Thursday. But, according to Mike Eriksson of the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the firefighting effort was “looking good” on Friday afternoon. “The firefighters did an incredible job today to meet the objectives we set,” said Eriksson. He called it a successful day and said that the favorable weather conditions helped.
The assault on the Big Hollow Fire has involved at least 90 personnel, 9 engines, 2 hand crews, and multiple aircraft including Heavy Tankers and Helicopters, according to the Wasatch County Fire Facebook page. The Fire Department is asking the public to stay out of the area and keep drones away. One drone will shut down the air attack and slow containment of the fire.
The Heber Valley community has helped with spontaneous offers for animal lodging and housing for evacuees. The Utah Red Cross also set up an Evacuation Center in the LDS meetinghouse at 2285 S. Daniels Rd.
Follow the Utah Fire Info twitter page for updated information: https://twitter.com/utahwildfire?lang=en
