ALPINE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Officials say another wildfire has sparked in Utah County near American Fork Canyon in Alpine.
Officials say the fire was threatening a 3,000 gallon propane tank and other structures.
Officials said two homes had already been destroyed, and that there may be more. Officials say the fire had consumed 2,886 acres by Wednesday morning.
The Box Elder and Alpine Cove subdivisions and Lambert Park recreation area were placed under a mandatory evacuation order. Around 500 homes were evacuated.
Hundreds of campers staying in American Fork Canyon were also evacuated.
The Utah County Sheriff's Office told ABC 4 News that a search and rescue team was deployed in American Fork Canyon to locate a a family that was unaccounted for. Utah County deputies did not believe the family was in any imminent danger, but they just wanted them to evacuate as a precaution. Sheriff's deputies said the group was in an area a good distance from the fire. They were later located and evacuated safely.
Evacuees were asked to go to the LDS church on Heritage Hills and Main Street in Alpine, but were later moved to Timberline Middle School at 500 W Canyon Crest Road in Alpine, where the Utah Red Cross had established a reception center. There was some confusion as to where the reception center would be located throughout the day, as officials announce Lone Peak High School as the evacuation location before settling on Timberline MS.
The Alpine Loop Highway into American Fork Canyon was also closed.
Sources say it was started by a backhoe that was working on a water tower at Lambert Park.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert ordered the Utah National Guard to help fight the fire and assist ground crews.
Utah fire officials later requested a Type II Management Team to fight the blaze.
Officials asked Alpine residents to shut off their sprinkler systems because fire crews need the water pressure.
The official fire evacuation hotline is 801-851-8778.
Stay tuned to ABC 4 News and ABC4.com for more on this story.
