Knolls Fire Evacuations Lifted; Residents Still Under Warning Of Potential Evacuation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Evacuations for the Knolls Fire in Saratoga Springs were lifted Monday afternoon, though residents are still under warning of potential evacuation, authorities said.

The Knolls fire burning near Saratoga Spring forced the evacuations of approximately 3,100 homes. It started Sunday afternoon and is 25% contained. Fire officials said it has burned approximately 10,000 acres. The fire spread quickly due to high winds, and the windy conditions along with smoke and dust made firefighting efforts difficult.

Stormy weather overnight helped those efforts though, and by Monday morning, crews had made progress.

One home outside the city limits was destroyed, officials said. Twelve homes were damaged and 18 homes’ fences were destroyed.

Saratoga Springs spokesman David Johnson said that in addition to the fire, there were also downed power lines in the area. City officials announced at approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday that after assessment, it was safe for residents to return back to their houses.

Redwood Road remained closed going south at Harbor Parkway, according to a tweet from the city.

12:30PM FIRE UPDATE:
Assessments of homes completed & safe to return, with power. All evacuated residents may return to home, but are still under warning of potential evacuation. Fire remains at 25% contained. Redwood Road still closed going south at Habor Parkway.#KnollsFire pic.twitter.com/oMPTlPNBfn

— Saratoga Springs UT (@saratogasprngut) June 29, 2020

The Red Cross was able to find shelter for hundreds of residents who sought help after the evacuation.

The evacuation center, which was set up at Westlake High School, 99 N. 200 West, Saratoga Springs, is open for residents who need food and water or other assistance.

Kristen Stuart with The Red Cross said they were able to find overnight lodging for 130 people.

She noted that due to COVID-19 restrictions, Red Cross is unable to take donated items. However, monetary donations can be made at RedCross.org. 

Traverse Fire

On the other side of Utah Lake in Lehi, crews had been fighting the Traverse Fire, which sparked late Saturday, before the Knolls Fire flared up Sunday.

While the fire did force some evacuations, they have since been lifted.

The Traverse Fire is now 100% contained and has burned about 450 acres. Despite winds in the area Sunday night, the fire activity has not picked back up.

However, on Saturday, dry fuels and heavy winds caused the fire to spread quickly. Luckily, no homes were damaged and only a vinyl fence burned in the blaze.

The Traverse Fire was caused by fireworks, officials said. The use of fireworks are prohibited across the state until July 2, and even then they’re only permitted in certain areas.

Police said they’ve identified a suspect, and that person is cooperating with authorities.

“It’s really a matter of common sense,” Gov. Gary Herbert said Sunday. “Just be careful. It’s dangerous out there, and if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.”

I greatly appreciate the diligent work of first responders in combating the #TraverseFire and #KnollsFire. Visiting with the response team in Lehi, I was impressed by their preparedness and composure despite the challenge of containment. pic.twitter.com/GrNicJWoxJ

— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) June 29, 2020

Canal Fire

In central Utah, the Canal Fire has flared up again after crews initially had it contained. It has now burned tens of thousands of acres.

The blaze has been burning since Thursday. Currently 300 people from Leamington and Fool Creek have been evacuated as 60 homes are threatened. The fire is also threatening power infrastructure and approximately $1 million worth of farm equipment.

The #CanalFire near Leamington experienced extreme fire behavior burning g tens of thousands of acres. No aircraft and poor visibility has made assessment difficult. Leamington and Fool Creek were evacuated. A type 2 team has been ordered to manage the fire. #ffsljc

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 29, 2020

Rock Path Fire

The Rock Path and Antelope fires are burning in Millard and Beaver counties, where crews have completed what is called a “burnout operation” to force the two fires into one. The blaze has burned more than 20,000 acres and is 25% contained.

Photos from the #RockPathFire taken by PIO Kevin Abel. pic.twitter.com/fHT1SMyaoB

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 27, 2020

Wire Pass Fire

In Kane County, the Wire Pass fire has now burned more than 1,500 acres. Authorities said the fire lines are holding.

The fire forced the evacuation Saturday of the popular hiking spot The Wave and other recreation spots.

The cause is currently under investigation.

#WirePassFire morning brief, strong cold front came through last night & expected to give crews some relief today. Winds still a factor today but not a high as yesterday. #SouthernUtah #Wildfire pic.twitter.com/cH2ToBS06B

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 29, 2020