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SALT LAKE CITY — Police lifted evacuation orders in the neighborhoods previously threatened by the Sandhurst Fire above Ensign Peak on Sunday night.
"After strong efforts by firefighting resources on the Sandhurst Fire, containment has been reached on the southern perimeter," Salt Lake police said in a statement. "Fire managers feel confident the fire will not progress further towards the community. Therefore, they have recommended lifting the evacuations for the fire."
Police said lifting the evacuation orders marked a conditional reentry: "The Sandhurst Fire incident command team is requesting residents, once returned, to remain prepared to evacuate, if needed."
"Trail closures for Ensign Peak, Tunnel Springs, and the section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail nearest the fire remain in effect," Salt Lake police said. "Additional localized park closures may remain in effect, including City Creek Canyon."
Officials said Sunday afternoon that existing firelines were continuing to hold on the wildfire burning near Ensign Peak above the Utah Capitol.
At noon on Sunday, the blaze was reported to be about 204 acres with 0% containment, but fire crews believed that nearby neighborhoods were no longer threatened, according to Utah Fire Info. That estimate on acreage was based on a flight measurement and GPS support. The previous estimate was 400 acres.
Utah Fire Info posted that the current firelines were holding just before 4:30 p.m. but warned: "Just because active flames or smoke isn't visible doesn't mean there isn't still fire or heat. Help firefighters by staying away, avoid roads, and stay off trails near the fire area to avoid impacting suppression efforts."
Many crews and equipment ordered overnight arrived at the fire area to support suppression efforts.
Radio towers, the City Creek watershed and multiple other structures were a concern late Saturday, but early Sunday the fire appeared to have missed the radio towers, Brian Trick of Northern Fire Protection told KSL NewsRadio.
Fire crews worked through the night focusing on structure protection, as the state's Northern Utah Type 3 team took command. Approximately 20 homes have been evacuated with air resources returning Sunday morning, according to Utah Fire Info.
On Sunday afternoon the cause of the blaze remained under investigation, fire officials said.
Over 100 firefighters had worked on the fire Saturday and Brian LaFontaine of the Type 3 team estimated another 75 were en route to assist Sunday.
The fire was first reported as a brush fire shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The fire quickly grew in size, prompting Salt Lake Fire to request assistance from Salt Lake police in notifying community members about evacuations and traffic control. Police also evacuated and shut down Memory Grove Park to allow firefighters to access a water source safely.
Officials said five wildland engines, one water tender and two crews were working on the blaze and air support will continue to be used as they prepare for hot, dry conditions.
Contributing: Mark Jackson
Fire crews gain 'good control' on blaze near Ensign Peak; mandatory evacuations remain in place
Fire crews are battling a blaze above Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City on Saturday and some mandatory evacuations are underway.
