Fire fighters quickly extinguish fires during soaring temperatures

Photo of an retardant drop on the Three Hill Fire (Courtesy: Caleb Young)

LOGAN — Fire fighters have been able to extinguish two fires burning in and around Cache Valley. Both the Three Hill Fire and Liberty Fire were sparked Friday, pulling crews from around the area.

Cache County Fire Marshal Jason Winn said fire fighters battling the Three Hill Fire east of Hyde Park were able to extinguish most of the hot spots Friday night, thanks to the help of air drops.

Photo of the Three Hill Fire in Hyde Park Canyon, Friday, July 17, 2020 (Courtesy: Caleb Young)

“The plane dropped retardant on the edges of the fire and boxed it in,” explained Winn. “The helicopter bucket work also helped us a ton.”

The fire was reported at 3 p.m. Friday near the mouth of Hyde Park Canyon. More than 50 fire fighters spent the afternoon, through 90+ degree temperatures, extinguishing it. Some of the crews stayed overnight monitoring conditions.

Winn originally estimated the fire to be around 20 acres. However, once crews got it under control and were able to take GPS readings around the perimeter, it was determined to be closer to 97 acres. The flames had spread quickly, fueled by dry grass and juniper trees, along with the hot temperatures and strong gusting winds.

“The fire went to the north and went over the ridge a little bit, jumping the road that goes up Hyde Park Canyon, over on the southeast side. We were able to keep it north of the road and the crews did a great job getting up on top and keeping it from going back down the mountain on the north side.”

Photo of the Liberty Fire, burning between Avon and Liberty, Friday, July 17, 2020 (Courtesy: US Forest Service)

Several crews are continuing to clear a perimeter around the fire through the weekend and monitor any flareups. The fire is expected to be fully extinguished by the end of the weekend.

Citizens are being asked to continue to stay out of the area.

Winn said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Several witnesses were in the area when the fire started, who have been speaking with investigators.

Meanwhile, fire fighters from the Weber Fire District and US Forest Service were able to extinguish the Liberty Fire that was between Avon and Liberty. 4 engines, 1 water tender crew and a helicopter were able keep the small fire, burning in oak and maple brush, to only a half-acre. The fire was caused by individuals who were target shooting in the area.


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4 Comments

  • S July 18, 2020 at 9:43 pm Reply

    City council……mayor need VOTED OUT!!!!!

    • Prince Albert July 20, 2020 at 8:18 am Reply

      Why, did they start the fire? A story about brave firefighters putting out a wildfire and yet you want the city council and mayor voted out. What city are you even talking about? Your brain needs oxygen, take the mask off occasionally.

    • Prince Philip July 20, 2020 at 2:48 pm Reply

      I absolutely agree , the mayor does nothing positive in regards to Hydepark canyon .
      It’s truly the worst canyon in cache valley .
      We have spoken to the city council including the mayor , in regards to the dangers of allowing people to shoot , and light fires .
      Absolutely clueless .

  • Deedee July 19, 2020 at 6:57 am Reply

    Good work fire crews. Thanks for keeping the fires under control. Junipers are little rockets when they catch fire.

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