Home / Disasters and Accidents / Utah Town Evacuated as Wildfire Explodes
Utah Town Evacuated as Wildfire Explodes
21 Jun
Summary
- Eureka, Utah, evacuated over 1,000 residents due to rapidly expanding Iron Fire.
- The Iron Fire burned over 13,000 acres in under 24 hours, fueled by human causes.
- Highway 6 closure and evacuation centers established amid escalating wildfire.
The Iron Fire, a rapidly expanding wildfire in Utah's East Tintic Mountains, has forced the evacuation of Eureka, a town of approximately 1,000 residents. The blaze ignited Friday night, June 19, and within 24 hours had scorched over 13,000 acres. Officials confirmed the fire was human-caused, though the investigation into its exact origin is ongoing.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued Saturday evening, June 20, as the fire's intensity grew. Emergency crews implemented traffic restrictions, closing Highway 6 near Elberta to aid evacuation efforts and ensure access. An evacuation center was set up at the LDS Church in Elberta, with another reception site being coordinated.
This fire was one of several active blazes in Utah. The Hastings Fire also experienced rapid growth, reaching an estimated 1,800 acres due to strong winds. Fire conditions near Hastings Pass Trail led to the suspension of recreational activities, though no structures are currently reported to be under immediate threat.
