FRIDAY 7/8/22 9:14 a.m.
CENTERVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – The Duel Creek Fire is officially out on Friday after forcing mass evacuations in Centerville on July 4.
Centerville Police says crews have fully extinguished all flames and mop-up operations. Firebreak Road has been reopened to the public.
“We so appreciate the members of the Interagency Type III team who have worked all this week to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished, at one point there was about 170 firefighters working on this fire,” officials say. “We encourage everyone to use extreme care while near our foothills to avoid doing anything that could start a fire.”
WEDNESDAY 7/6/22 5:40 p.m.
CENTERVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – A wildfire that forced almost 90 families to evacuate their homes is now at 100% containment on Wednesday.
Utah Fire Info says that the Duel Creek Fire is 100% contained due to the hard work of firefighters.
WEDNESDAY 7/6/22 7:12 a.m.
CENTERVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – A wildfire that forced almost 90 families to evacuate their homes is now at 76% containment on Wednesday.
Utah Fire Info says, “Crews have been working in the Parrish drainage putting out hot spots throughout the day.”
Officials say the fire has stopped progressing forward and is now contained to an estimated 35 acres.
“A challenge for the firefighters is the steep, rugged terrain that makes hiking difficult,” says the U.S. Forest Service. “There are also unstable trees from recent wind events, which pose a safety hazard. Crews will continue in full suppression efforts, with an emphasis on preventing any structure or infrastructure loss.”
The cause of the fire is still being determined by investigators.
Officials are asking the public for any information, witnesses or footage of the Deuel Creek area on the evening of July 3. Anyone with information is asked to contact Centerville Police at (801) 292-8441.
Fire crews will continue remaining on scene, working to strengthen containment.
ABC4 will update this story when more information becomes available.
TUESDAY 7/5/22 8:26 a.m.
CENTERVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – A wildfire that forced almost 90 families to evacuate their homes is now at 10% containment on Tuesday.
Utah Fire Info says the Deuel Creek Fire has now expanded to 129 acres as glowing hot spots and smoke still remain visible.
Crews are still working to contain the blaze, focusing on the west side which is closest to nearby structures. Officials say fire containment should see an increase throughout the day as crews continue working.
ABC4 will update this story when more information becomes available.
MONDAY 7/4/22 6:38 a.m.
CENTERVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – A fast-moving overnight wildfire has forced almost 90 families to evacuate their homes early Monday morning.
Named the “Deuel Creek Fire,” Centerville Police say the blaze broke out a little after 11 p.m. on Sunday night in the foothills east of Centerville.
As the flames continued spreading, 89 homes were forced to evacuate. Southwest winds continued blowing the flames uphill, threatening residents. The evacuation order has since been lifted as of 6 a.m. on Monday.
The fire has spread to around 128 acres and is currently zero percent contained, according to Utah Fire Info.
The fire’s cause is still under investigation but authorities say, “All indications are that this fire was human-caused, the most likely source being fireworks. We will be working with fire investigators to determine the cause.”
The Centerville Mayor has canceled a planned Centerville July 4th Parade and Freedom Run event due to blocked roads and fire operation needs.
Officials say no homes or vehicles have been damaged so far as crews work to contain the fire. Authorities confirm a helicopter will soon arrive to aid in fire containment efforts.
Multiple agencies are currently at the scene including 80 personnel, seven fire engines, one squad, multiple helicopters, various fire and police departments, search and rescue crews and more.
“This fire had us worried due to the wind speed and direction during the early morning hours,” says Centerville Police. “Fortunately the wind shifted moving the fire away from homes instead of towards them.”
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area at this time so fire crews can continue their operations
Although all residents who were evacuated are allowed to return home, all firebreak access roads in the area will remain closed.
ABC4 will update this story as more information becomes available.
