Fire breaks out in Parleys Canyon, forces evacuations

Evacuations were ordered for two communities in the wake of a fast moving fire that broke out in Parleys Canyon.

The fire had started on Saturday afternoon on the south side of Interstate 80 heading east between mile markers 137 and 138. In some places the flames could be seen right next to the roadway.

Officially known as the Parleys Canyon Fire, the fire began in Salt Lake County near the Summit County border.

The fire was moving rapidly south and east, toward the Summit Park and Pinebrook neighborhoods.

Forced evacuations were ordered for both of them. Fire and rescue workers were on duty to help residents evacuate the area.

The exact number of homes in the two parishes was unknown, though officials said around 2,000 buildings and power lines were at risk.

Lambs Canyon has also been evacuated.

Large flames could be seen from the pavement as the fire moved up the mountain and away from the road.

Traffic eastbound on I-80 moved very slowly through the fire area while crews worked to control the fire.

The Utah Highway Patrol soldiers blocked the right lane heading east and controlled traffic through the area.

Traffic to the west remained open.

Officials said the fire was moving up the mountain and not in the direction of the highway.

Several land and air resources have been deployed to support the fire fighting efforts. The state fire department announced that around 15 air tankers and helicopters had carried out an air strike.

Summit County’s Sheriff Justin Martinez has asked people to avoid the area to keep crews from being stopped and residents from leaving the area.

The fire was estimated at 2,500-3,000 hectares.

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