Deer Creek fire stable, at 77% containment

by David Boyle
News Director
The Deer Creek Fire in old La Sal remains stable with suppression repair on the interior islands and fire perimeter underway.
At a stable 17,724 acres, the fire has remained at 77-percent containment for nearly a week. Officials have put an estimated containment date of August 7.
Members of the community helped raise over $8,000 for those who lost their homes in Old La Sal through an ice cream social and silent auction last week.
Additionally, evacuation zones have been upgraded. With Just zone six in a “Go’ status. Residents of Mountain Shadows, Lower Highway 46 and Hang Dog will have access and be allowed to stay in a set status. The rest of Zone 6, the Peaceful Valley will be set to go.
Officials report that Fire activity has been minimal with smoldering, creeping, slow moving fire and some single tree torching. Most of the fire activity is concentrated to unburned islands.
Crews continue to focus on suppression repair on the interior islands and fire perimeter and will utilize intermittent air support with water drops as needed.
Crews will continue to secure line in the east and southeast sides of the fire. Mop up will continue around the east, west and north sides of the fire. Crews will continue to monitor structures in Peaceful Valley.
Officials ask the public to continue to follow closures and all posted instructions on roadways.
Doing so helps the hard work of fire crews and ensures their efforts can continue safely and effectively.
Suppression repair of dozer line will continue on the west and southeast side of the fire, where appropriate. Road repair will begin on the east side of the fire. Resources will continue to patrol the south side of the fire and be available for any urgent needs that may arise in the area.
The fire started on the afternoon of July 10. Officials have determined the fire to be human-caused. The county sheriff’s department added they’ve identified an individual but have not released any names.