Knolls Fire Evacuation Center Providing Supplies For Displaced Saratoga Springs Residents

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah – The Red Cross on Monday reopened its evacuation shelter so residents affected by the Knolls Fire can pick up needed supplies and make arrangements for shelter.

The center is located at Westlake High School, 99 N. 200 West.

The evacuation center for the #knollsfire at West Lake High School is officially opened for those who need it. Details on @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/LOLk76y49R

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) June 29, 2020

The center had closed at Midnight after Red Cross volunteers were able to find shelter for all the evacuees. It reopened at 8 a.m.

Clients are asked to enter through the main gym doors where COVID-19 screenings will be performed.

At Westlake High School, volunteers will assess evacuees needs and assist those directly affected with the services they need. The center has bottled water and snacks available for those who have had to evacuate, as well as other supplies. The Red Cross will be working on meal plans for those residents moving forward.

“As the day or days progress, we’ll work with authorities on how we’re going to continue the services for the people that were affected by the fire,” said Kristen Stuart with the Red Cross.

Stuart said the Red Cross can’t accept donations right now because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“The best thing people can do at this point is go to RedCross.org,” she said. “If they want to donate, they can hit the ‘donate’ tab.”

Thank you to everyone in Utah County who showed up wanting to help with the #KnollsFire. Just as a reminder, we are unable to accept any in-kind donations due to COVID-19 restrictions. We cannot accept anymore in-kind donations at this evacuation center. pic.twitter.com/6qaKd19mZ7

— American Red Cross of Utah (@RedCrossUtah) June 29, 2020

She said that donated money is what helps the Red Cross get evacuees into hotel rooms, it helps feed them, and it helps get them the things they need after an evacuation.

Evacuations and road closures remained in place as crews continued to work on containing the fire. Saratoga Springs authorities also noted there are other hazards in the evacuation areas, such as downed power lines, and they’re asking residents to stay clear for now.

One home out of the Saratoga Springs city limits was destroyed, according to the city. Twelve homes were damaged in the fire, 18 fences were burned, nine properties were damaged, one outbuilding was destroyed.

8AM FIRE UPDATE:
Evacuation still in place. No timeline on return. Crews accessing powerlines and other potential hazards. Reported thus far:
Home damaged = 12
Homes lost = 1 (out of city limits)
Property damage = 9
Outbuilding lost (shed) = 1
Fences lost = 18#KnollsFire

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