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Merged Cherry Fire Prompts Evacuations as Crews Secure Lines on Utah Blazes

A short lull in winds created an operational window that let firefighters strengthen containment and permit staged returns to some communities.

Overview

  • The Maple Peak Fire merged into the Cherry Fire, creating a single Cherry incident that grew rapidly to an estimated 34,200–34,300 acres and remains the primary focus for suppression.
  • The Iron Fire has held largely inside established lines at about 40,800–41,400 acres with containment increased, freeing some crews and equipment to shift to the Cherry Fire.
  • Mandatory evacuations were issued for communities including Eureka, Mammoth and Silver City and evacuation centers were set up in Vernon and Elberta; Juab County moved those towns to a guarded 'set' re-entry status and allowed staged returns on Sunday.
  • Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 3 is coordinating resources including dozers, hand crews, engines and aircraft, and officials are keeping Highway 6 open while Highway 36 and local roads remain closed for safety.
  • Extreme fire weather with strong southwest winds and low humidity drove the fast growth but a brief cooldown gave crews a chance to build lines; residents should expect changing conditions and follow local evacuation and road notices.