A lightning-sparked wildfire along the Sanpete-Emery county line is gaining ground in rugged central Utah, with overnight winds pushing flames through terrain crews say is difficult to reach. Fire officials are warning that another round of hot, dry, and gusty weather could turn the Black Canyon Fire into a much larger problem.
The fire ignited Thursday after a lightning strike and stayed relatively small until winds spread it overnight, according to KUTV. The report’s text listed 43 acres burned, while an updated photo caption described the fire as having burned more than 100 acres, suggesting the footprint was changing as officials mapped the blaze.
Wind And Low Humidity Could Push Flames
The Black Canyon Fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land in what officials described as steep, inaccessible terrain. The state has assigned two helicopters to help with suppression, while fire managers warn the blaze has significant growth potential as Saturday’s forecast brings gusts of up to 35 mph and humidity as low as 9%.
A Red Flag Warning is set to take effect Sunday across several Utah counties, including Sanpete County and the northwest corner of Emery County. The combination of powerful winds, parched vegetation, and very low humidity can rapidly expand both existing fires and any new lightning-caused starts.
New Blaze Arrives During A Punishing Utah Fire Season
The latest fire comes during one of Utah’s most active fire seasons in years. In a July update, the Utah governor’s office said more than 590 wildfires had burned nearly 380,000 acres statewide.
Sanpete and Emery counties have also been among the areas targeted by preventive measures. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources temporarily restricted recreational target shooting on wildlife management areas in both counties, citing drought and extreme wildfire danger.
With the fire burning in hard-to-access country and stronger winds arriving before the weekend ends, aerial suppression will be especially important. Officials have not announced a containment figure in the latest public report, so the fire’s next size estimate may change quickly as crews get a clearer look at the perimeter.
