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BRIGHAM CITY — A wildfire that started Monday in the Hogup Mountain Range has been dubbed the Tangent Peak Fire after growing to 468 acres Tuesday, according to Utah Fire Info.
It was first discovered Monday, and officials have determined it started by a lightning strike at the northwest border of the Great Salt Lake.
The fire is one of a few burn areas contributing to the haze that has settled on the Wasatch Front. Increased particulate matter from smoke have negatively affected air quality in many northern Utah counties.
Utah Fire Info reports the Tangent Peak fire is mostly burning on state land, with 188 acres of private land also affected. As about 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the blaze is 10% contained.
Because of its remote location, the fire has no road access, so crews are being transported by helicopter. Utah Fire Info said they have five engines, two water tenders, two dozers and a hand crew currently working on the fire.
The fire danger remains at "very high" in that area, meaning "fires start easily from all causes and immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires starting new fires is a constant danger," Utah Fire Info says.
Speirs Fire campground closures
A wildfire in Daggett County was sparked by a lightning strike Saturday night. The Speirs wildfire is burning near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, east of U.S. 191.
The blaze is 0% contained and burning more than 750 acres, the Ashley National Forest Service said in a statement. Around 95 crew members have been assigned to battle the flames as large fuels continue to burn.
The Forest Service said the fire is in steep and rugged terrain with minimal access, but aerial resources are assisting in suppression efforts. The region is experiencing afternoon rain showers, lightning and "gusty, erratic winds."
Tuesday afternoon, the Forest Service issued a temporary closure order for the Firefighters Memorial Campground, Greendale Group Campsite, Forest Service roads 610 and 689 and some trails in the area.
