The Yellow Lake Fire is reaching nearly 11,000 acres; Conditions continue to deteriorate

UINTA WASATCH CACHE NATIONAL FOREST, Utah (KUTV) – The Yellow Lake Fire, burning east of Mill Hollow Reservoir on Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest land, has again expanded dramatically.

The fire is now mapped at 10,817 acres, said Brian Trick of the Bureau of Land Management.

Containment has fallen to 12%.

MORE about YELLOW LAKE FIRE:

Forest Service officials reported that red flag conditions posed significant challenges to firefighting on Friday, as high winds, unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions contributed to several spot fires igniting north of Highway 35.

Conditions are expected to worsen and further strong winds could change the fire's direction. Crews will continue firefighting efforts, focusing on protecting structures and containing the fire to an area best suited for containment.

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the West and North Branches of the Duchesne River due to the dangers posed by the fire.

Residents and visitors to the area are required to evacuate and take their pets with them in accordance with local fire department instructions.

Shelter was set up at Tabiona High School, but it was reported closed at 7 p.m

A forest closure is in effect for the fire-affected regions of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Ashley National Forest.

The Yellow Lake fire was determined to be human-caused and investigations continue.

Danielle Mackimm contributed to this story.

_____