Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Southwest Utah fire shuts down state highway

SALT LAKE CITY — A fast-moving wildfire has shut down a state highway in southwest Utah and is threatening structures near a small town just west of U.S. Interstate 15.

Bureau of Land Management spokesman Nick Howell says the Blackmountain fire has burned an estimated 6 square miles (15 sq. kilometers) since it broke out Thursday afternoon south of Minersville.

State Highway 130 has been closed in the area north of Cedar City. It's not clear how many homes or other structures might be in danger.

Howell says the fire is believed to be human-caused.

It's one of more than a half-dozen wildfires crews are battling across Utah in record heat and gusty winds. The entire state is now under a red flag warning.

No serious injuries have been reported but a firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation at the Fruitland Shed fire in Duchesne County southeast of Salt Lake City where at least two homes and some out buildings were destroyed on Wednesday.

The Rough Canyon fire near the Idaho line has burned nearly 5 square miles (13 sq. kilometers) since it started Wednesday.