Yellow Lake fire conditions are improving as the spread slows

HANNA, Utah (KUTV) – The Yellow Lake fire continues to spread, albeit more slowly, as wind pushes the fire to consume over 16,000 hectares – but authorities are optimistic about the outlook.

In the town of Hanna, the smoky sky has made life difficult for residents.

Brian Trick, public information officer for the U.S. Forest Service, said, “The quality of life for these people has decreased because of this.”

Hanna is currently in the “readiness phase” of evacuation, prompting residents to prepare for possible evacuation if the fire approaches.

However, Trick said: “The forecast for the next few days is positive, barring the strong winds we have seen.”

At the incident command post in Francis, supportive signs reflect the spirit of the community.

When asked about the community response, Trick said, “The community response has been amazing.”

Praise also came from Rich West, CEO of the Northern Utah YMCA, which operates two camps in the affected region.

West said, “It came up and you could see the fire from the ridge, but the winds were in our favor that day and carried it right over Mill Hollow and away.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE on YELLOW LAKE FIRE:

The overnight camps are aimed at youth ages six to seventeen, and West thanked the Forest Service's efforts.

“I'm really grateful for all the work the Forest Service did beforehand and all the work they're doing now to protect the camps and all the other structures up there,” he said.

The Forest Service has taken proactive measures to protect structures by using packing and conducting fire suppression measures in the area.

No buildings have been lost so far, although firefighters warn that fire season is not yet over.

Trick said: “It's been a pretty dry summer in general and actually a very dry September and October.”

As firefighting efforts continue, responders from across Utah and the Pacific Northwest have arrived to help, and some have extended their deployment seasons to fight the fire.

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