The Yellow Lake fire continues to rage, prompting new evacuation orders

TIMBER LAKES, Wasatch County – The Yellow Lake Fire continues to spread through Wasatch County on Saturday as red flag fire danger makes fighting the blaze difficult.

The North and West Branches of the Duchesne River, near Highway 35, are required to evacuate Saturday.

“There is an imminent threat to life and property and individuals MUST evacuate as directed by local authorities,” Utah Fire Info said in a Facebook post.

The screenshot shows the current boundaries of the Yellow Lake Fire, which has prompted evacuations. (security service)

The post also said people in the Grandaddy Lakes region of the Ashley National Forest need to be ready to evacuate, although the area is not yet under a mandatory evacuation.

“(Friday) “It was a particularly challenging day with conditions conducive to fires – strong winds, record-breaking temperatures, extremely low humidity and unusually dry weather,” a U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson said in a news release.

The department said firefighters worked diligently despite the extreme conditions, but their primary focus was ensuring the safety of firefighters and the public.

Due to high winds, multiple fires broke out north of Highway 35, causing the fire to spread toward Soapstone Pass and Rhodes Canyon, the department said. They estimate the fire's area to be approximately 7,800 acres.

The Agriculture Department said it expects more weather events Saturday that fueled the Yellow Lake fire.

“While the fire may continue to grow, crews will prioritize maintaining the anchor point and keeping the fire within a manageable area where extinguishing efforts can be most effective,” the department said.

Highway 35 remains closed, as it has been for several days. A closure is now in effect for portions of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Ashley National Forest affected by the fire.

A view of the Yellow Lake fire on October 5, 2024. (Brianna Chavez, KSL TV)

The department said 423 personnel were working to fight the fire.