Wildfire — Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Utah

2012-06-23 to 2012-06-30 · Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Utah

Event narrative

The Wood Hollow Fire began on June 23rd near Fountain Green, Utah in Sanpete County. The fire was ignited when gusty winds caused a power line to come too close to the top of another power pole, sparking a grass fire at its base. The electrical ground wires had been removed by copper thieves, which eliminated the system's ability to properly dissipate the electrical current. This fire caused one fatality, a 60-year-old male whose body was found inside a burned car. Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries.

In total, the Wood Hollow Fire burned 47,387 acres, and caused extensive property damage. The communities of Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Big Hollow, and Oaker Hills all experienced mandatory evacuations. 52 residential buildings were destroyed, 108 other non-residential buildings were destroyed, and there was damage to local power infrastructure and the Indian Ridge water system. Some livestock was lost, with approximately 300 sheep killed and approximately 15 horses killed. In addition to these losses, fire suppression costs totaled $5.8 million. Note that this fire continued into July, and the monetary property damages will be listed in July's report.

Wider weather episode

With very dry fuels, a very dry air mass, and an increasing southwesterly flow as a low pressure system remained near the Pacific Coast, conditions across Utah became perfect for explosive fire growth. The winds were severe at times across northwest Utah, and any fires that started spread very quickly. Several of these wildfires caused property damage or injuries, and one caused a fatality. Note that some of these fires continued into July.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 395479. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.