Firefighters are close to fully containing the Rocky Canyon Fire after a weekend of successful operations, but officials are reminding residents and visitors that there are still dangerous conditions in the area.
The Rocky Canyon Fire stretched 16,464 acres and was 85% contained as of Tuesday morning, according to Utah Fire Info. However, state officials noted that progress may be limited over the next few days as teams work to balance containment efforts while keeping firefighters safe.
“Every tactical decision is grounded in a careful assessment of fire behavior, terrain, weather and available resources,” officials said. “While aggressive action can offer strategic advantages, no operational objective outweighs firefighter lives and safety. The team will continue to engage with the fire in ways that allow crews to work effectively and without undue exposure.”
Officials said first responders are prioritizing the containment of flames in Bishop’s Canyon to prevent the fire from progressing farther this week. Crews will patrol the area and ensure the fire doesn’t spread to private property.
However, Utah Fire Info said in a press release that “gusty and erratic winds” were expected Tuesday afternoon, which could affect fire behavior and force crews to pivot to other suppression strategies.
“This is why firefighters completed firing operations in advance of the wind shift to build a strong control line to hold the fire,” officials said.
S.R. 65 and S.R. 66 both reopened to the public on Monday evening, but officials asked residents to remain cautious because of debris on the road. Drivers should also watch out for mudslides as moisture returns to the area, according to Utah Fire Info.
“Entrances to the Wildlife Management Area and the north entrance of East Canyon State Park will remain closed,” officials added. “East Canyon Reservoir is closed to motorized boating but is open to non-motorized activities accessed at the south entrance.”
Henefer residents who evacuated were allowed to return to their homes last week after an increase in humidity and cloud cover helped curtail the fire’s progress. Officials last week told community members that cleanup efforts will likely take a few weeks.
The Summit County community has rallied to support local and state firefighters working to contain the blaze, posting signs and words of encouragement along the border of the fire area.
Parkite Michelle Rankin also hosted a letter-writing campaign at the Park City Municipal and Athletic Recreation Center last week. She estimated dozens if not hundreds of people stopped to write a note of support for first responders, which she delivered to a fire station in Henefer for firefighters to read during their lunch break.
“It’s really pulling people together,” Rankin said in a previous interview with The Park Record. “In Summit County, we know our firefighters and our Sheriff’s Office, and we want to show our neighboring towns and counties that we’re here.”
Rankin and those who stopped to write a letter said the outpouring of love and support is a sign that Park City and Summit County have strong, passionate communities.
“It’s kindness, it’s love and it’s compassion,” Rankin said. “This is a place where I think people think about others first, so people want to come together and do something.”
Information on the Rocky Canyon Fire is available through the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Fire Info and by visiting tinyurl.com/ym2jtc36.