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Iron Fire Burns 13,300 Acres, Forces Mandatory Evacuations Around Eureka

Rapid growth driven by dry fuels, gusty winds, high heat has pushed flames toward the town and prompted an expanded federal response

Overview

  • The human-caused Iron Fire erupted near Eureka and grew to more than 13,300 acres with 0% containment by Sunday morning, forcing mandatory evacuations for Eureka and nearby ranches.
  • Fire crews used backburns and structure-protection tactics overnight that officials say saved primary buildings and kept no homes lost so far.
  • A federal complex-fire crew is scheduled to assume command Sunday evening to bolster local and state resources as crews work fire lines and conduct additional burn operations.
  • Investigators say the blaze began on private land, spread onto Bureau of Land Management land across Juab and Tooele counties, and remains under active investigation into the specific ignition source.
  • Extreme drought, red-flag fire warnings and smoke from other regional fires have worsened conditions, straining resources and producing poor air quality that health officials warn may affect vulnerable residents.