Pack Creek Fire Updates

Utah Fire Info has an interactive map on the Pack Creek Fire. Find it here.

Investigators are still seeking leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start. Anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.

Tuesday, July 6th at 5:45PM

*Note: This will be the final update from fire managers unless conditions change*

The Pack Creek Fire is 100% contained. Even though the fire is contained, it continues to burn in the interior. Firefighters continue monitoring the fire and are working mostly in Geyser Pass and north of Haystack Mountain. While fire activity is minimal, the fire continues to burn in the interior and, as conditions dry out, Moab residents may continue to see smoke throughout the summer.

As of Tuesday July 6th, all remaining private property evacuation orders associated with the Pack Creek Fire have been lifted by the San Juan County Sheriff. However the closure on parts of the western slope of the La Sal Mountains, including most of Geyser Pass Road as well as Oowah Lake Road and campground will remain in place. The Temporary Flight Restriction (over the fire area has been lifted and normal flight operations in the area can resume. 

An emergency response team finalized their assessment of the severity of the Pack Creek Fire’s burn. They determined that 820 acres (9 percent) is unburned, 3,722 acres (40 percent) is low severity, 4,586 acres (49 percent) is moderate severity, and 151 acres (2 percent) is high severity.

As of June 25th, public and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are not allowed on public or state lands.

The fire managers would like to express their thanks to the community for all of their support. 

See the soil burn severity map: Pack Creek Soil Burn Severity

See full press release: Pack Creek Fire Fact Sheet July 6.docx

Friday July 2nd – Weekend Update 

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 9:30AM Friday, July 2nd:

Fire managers anticipate 100% containment of the Pack Creek Fire by the end of the day Friday. Moisture in the mountains continues to aid suppression efforts. Thunderstorms are expected to continue through early next week. Even though fire activity is minimal, the fire is still burning in the interior. Some areas within the Manti-La Sal National Forest will likely remain closed throughout the summer. While evacuations are still in place for the Holyoak and Dark Canyon areas, fire managers anticipate the evacuation order will be lifted early next week. Moab residents and visitors may continue to see smoke as conditions dry out.

Learn more on Utah Fire Info: https://bit.ly/3ybt6ks

Thursday, July 1st at 8:45AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8:45AM Thursday, July 1st:

Note: Due to decreased fire activity and high containment, this will be the last daily update for the Pack Creek Fire from fire managers unless conditions change. They will continue to share major developments as needed. 

The Pack Creek Fire is now 90 percent contained. Moisture in the mountains continues to aid suppression efforts. Thunderstorms are expected to continue through early next week. Even though fire activity is minimal, the fire is still burning in the interior and, as conditions dry out, Moab residents and visitors may continue to see smoke throughout the summer.

Evacuations are still in place for the Holyoak and Dark Canyon areas. Fire managers anticipate that the evacuation order will be lifted next week, but some forest areas will likely remain closed throughout the summer. The La Sal Loop Road is now open, but Geyser Pass and Oowah Lake Roads are closed. The Warner Lake and Oowah Lake campgrounds remain closed. 

As of June 25, public and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are not allowed on public or state lands. Learn more on the Utah Fire Information website: https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/. 

See full press release: Pack Creek Fire Fact Sheet July 1

Wednesday, June 30th at 9AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 9AM Wednesday, June 30th:

The Pack Creek Fire is now 85 percent contained. Light rans over most of the fire area in the last 24 hours helped decrease fire activity and integrate ash into the soil. Fire crews expect humidity, wind, and moisture in the area throughout the week.

Firefighters continue looking for hotspots along the perimeter, addressing hazards, and completing rehabilitation work. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal. However, the fire is still burning in the interior and, as conditions dry out, Moab residents and visitors may continue to see smoke throughout the summer.

As of June 25, public and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are not allowed on public or state lands.

See full press release: Pack Creek Fire Fact Sheet June 30

Tuesday, June 29th at 8:40AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8:40AM Tuesday, June 29th:

The Pack Creek Fire is now 82 percent contained. There may be increased moisture, wind, and/or lightening today. Firefighters will continue monitoring the fire, looking for hotspots along the perimeter, addressing hazard trees, and completing rehabilitation work. 

The updated closure is still in effect, but as people begin to re-enter the area, they should be on the lookout for fallen trees, uneven ground, reduced visibility from dust or smoke, firefighting personnel who continue to work in the area, and other hazards. The public should expect trail and recreation site closures to continue due to risks from falling trees and/or potential flooding.

As of Friday June 25, public and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are not allowed on public or state lands.

See full press release: Pack Creek Fire Fact Sheet June 29

Monday, June 28th at 8AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8AM Monday, June 28th:

Firefighters had a successful day on the Pack Creek Fire yesterday. The fire is now 80 percent contained and remains under 9,000 acres. Crews continue monitoring the fire, addressing hotspots along its perimeter, and doing rehabilitation work. Fire managers say this will take some time and the public should expect trail and recreation closures to continue for a while.

As of last week, nearby federal and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are NOT allowed on public or state lands.

See full press release: Pack Creek Fire Fact Sheet June 28Final

Sunday, June 27th at 8:30AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8:30AM Sunday, June 27th:

Fire behavior was minimal yesterday due to favorable conditions. It is now 77 percent contained. Today (Sunday) firefighters will continue to secure, patrol, and mop-up the fire line. Moisture is expected to remain in the area over the next few days. However, mid-way through next week fire managers anticipate dry conditions and moderate fire behavior in the Geyser Pass and Haystack Mountain area.

A team continues to assess the burn scar and identify any threats to human safety, property, and critical natural and cultural resources on National Forest System lands. A temporary fight restriction is still in place from Spanish Valley Drive to the La Sal Mountains. That means any unauthorized use of drones is illegal and a safety risk for fire response efforts.

As of June 25th, public and state lands are in stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Stage 2 restrictions mean campfires are NOT allowed on public or state lands. Learn more on the Utah Fire Information website: https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/. 

See full press release: 6-27-21 Pac Creek Fire

Three phases of recovery fact sheet:Three Phases Of Recovery

Saturday, June 26th at 8:30AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8:30AM Saturday, June 26th:

The Pack Creek Fire is now 75 percent contained, seeing minimal growth yesterday. Firefighting efforts are focused on the areas by Geyser Pass, Gold Basin, and Mount Mellenthin. Crews are taking advantage of the weather conditions and decreased fire behavior to secure the fire’s edges. 

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has made an initial assessment of the fire’s burn scar. This team includes hydrologists, geologists, biologists and archeologists from various state and federal agencies. The team hopes to make their final burn severity map public next week.

It is still illegal to fly drones in the area from Spanish Valley Drive into the La Sal Mountains. Unauthorized use of aircraft is a safety risk for firefighters and pilots.

Popular hiking and biking trails including the Whole Enchilada inside the closure area, Moonlight Meadows, Gold Basin Trail and Clark Lake trails remain closed. The Forest Service continues to ask recreationists to stay out of Gold Basin for their safety and the safety of firefighting personnel.

See the full press release here: Pack Creek Fire Fact Sheet June 26.docx

Friday, June 25th at 8:05AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8:05AM Friday, June 25th:

The higher relative humidity and rain yesterday and last night led to decreased fire activity and aided suppression efforts. The fire is now estimated at 73 percent contained.

Public and state lands entered stage 2 fire restrictions in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Learn more on the Utah Fire Information website: https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/. 

The La Sal Loop Road is now open; and the Manti La Sal National Forest has updated the closure order for the eastern slope of the La Sal Mountains: 

• Dispersed camping is allowed west of the La Sal Loop Road.  
• The La Sal Pass is open to La Sal Pass from the east side and camping is allowed along the La Sal Pass road, including the Medicine Lake area. Hikers can now use the Mount Tuk Trail to climb up to Mount Peale, but should know that the area north of the peak remains closed. 
• Road closures for La Sal Pass Road and Dark Canyon Lake Road remain due to activity on the northeast side of the fire.  
• Evacuations remain in place for the Geyser Pass area, and from Blue Lake to the east towards the Dark Canyon area. Warner Lake, Oowah Lake, and Geyser Pass Roads and campground remain closed. Reservations for Warner and Oowah lake campgrounds through at least the end of July are not available. 

Thursday, June 24th at 7:30 AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 7:30AM Thursday, June 24th:

The Pack Creek Fire is now 73 percent contained. The fire’s activity was moderated by the increase in moisture and cloud cover, which is expected to remain in the Moab valley for the next several days. The smoke that is visible from Moab is due to fire activity northwest of Mount Tuk (Tukuhnikivatz) and is inside the fire perimeter.

Fire behavior is currently minimal but residents and visitors may continue to see smoke in the coming days. The fire continues to creep and smolder in Geyser Pass in thick Spruce-Fir forest and on Haystack Mountain where the terrain is too steep for crews to safely access. Firefighters will continue to extinguish hot spots and patrol the fire until containment is achieved. 

Today is the last operational shift for Great Basin Incident Management Team 4. The Pack Creek Fire will transition back to the Manti-La Sal National Forest on Friday morning. Team 4 would like to thank the community for the tremendous support and generosity shown to the firefighters and personnel working on the incident. 

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June24_730am

Wednesday, June 23rd at 7:30AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 7:30AM Wednesday, June 23rd:

Yesterday, smoke increased as the sunny and dry conditions ignited interior fuels near Haystack Mountain. Residents and visitors should expect to see smoke and dust devils within the fire perimeter over the next several weeks or until significant precipitation occurs. A weather change is expected to bring an increase of moisture and cloud cover, with a moderate chance of rain today (Wednesday) into Thursday.

Crews completed the contingency fire break along Warner Lake Road and continue the chipping operation around Buried Hatchet and Whispering Oaks. The number of personnel working on the fire will continue to decrease as crews time out or are being reassigned to other fires.

Check out this new storymap: Fuels Treatments Ease Fire Behavior in Pack Creek (arcgis.com). It tells the story of how interagency fuels treatments conducted over several years in the Pack Creek area helped to reduce fire behavior and provided firefighters a safer place to work.  

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June23_730am

Tuesday, June 22nd at 8AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 8AM Tuesday, June 22nd:

Firefighters have now contained 62% of the Pack Creek Fire. However, the fire remains moderately active in Geyser Pass and Haystack Mountain areas. Using unmanned aircraft and infrared cameras, crews continue to find hot spots on the north and east sides of the fire.

Resources from the Pack Creek Fire also continue to support the four lightning ignited fires located north of the Moab Valley. The Sego Fire, the largest of the fires, is approximately 150 acres.  

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June22_8am

Monday, June 21st at 7AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 7AM Monday, June 21st:

The Pack Creek Fire is now 58 percent contained. Although fire activity is decreasing overall, its northeast side continues to be active in inaccessible areas. Smoke within the fire’s perimeter will likely be visible for the next several weeks.

Four new fires ignited from lightening near the Moab Valley. Pack Creek Fire ground and aviation resources responded to the fires, the largest being the Sego Fire, near Thompson Springs on the southern end of the Bookcliffs. Pack Creek Fire resources will continue to assist these new fires in an attempt to prevent another large incident. 

The La Sal Loop Road is now open, but the forest closure remains in place and the area remains closed for any type of recreation. Crews say to avoid driving on the La Sal Loop Road unless it’s necessary to access private property. The roads to Oowah Lake and Geyser Pass are still closed. The road closures for La Sal Pass Road and Dark Canyon Lake Road are also ongoing due to fire activity on the northeast side of the fire. Evacuations remain in place in and around the area east of Geyser Pass, from Blue Lake to the Dark Canyon area. 

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June21_7am

Sunday, June 20th at 7:30AM

The following is an update of the Pack Creek Fire as of 7:30AM Sunday, June 20th:

The Pack Creek Fire did not see any new growth yesterday and containment increased to 44 percent. Moderate fire behavior will continue today in the areas of Oowah Lake, Haystack Mountain, east of Squaw Spring, and Geyser Pass.   

There are two crews on the Pack Creek Fire that have specialized training with Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Using infrared technology, they will conduct flights over the fire to check for hotspots. 

And over the coming days, crews will use a woodchipper in the Buried Hatchet and Whispering Oaks area to clean up debris and vegetation that was removed during suppression efforts.

Today (Sunday), winds are forecasted with gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Starting Tuesday, dry air is expected to combine with winds to again form potentially critical weather conditions.

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June20_730am

Saturday, June 19th at 8AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 8AM Saturday, June 19th:

Friday, June 18th at 7:30 AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 7:30AM Friday, June 18th:

The increased humidity has helped fire suppression efforts and firefighters made gains on containment – the Pack Creek Fire is now 36 percent contained. However, the fire remains active near Oowah Lake, Haystack Mountain and Geyser Pass.

Vegetation in the area remains critically dry so crews continue to monitor changing weather conditions. Storms did materialize over the east side of the La Sals yesterday. However, the fire area did not receive any measurable amount of rain.

Today (Friday) crews will continue working in the Geyser Pass area. They will also work to secure the perimeter above Oowah Lake on the north and near Squaw Springs on the south. 

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire Update_June18

Thursday, June 17th at 8AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 8AM Thursday, June 17th:

Firefighting crews are continuing to focus on the Oowah Lake and Geyser Pass areas. Mitigating fire activity on the northeast side of Haystack Mountain is a priority to stop the fire from spreading north and getting into the Dry Fork of Mill Creek. Firefighters will also continue clearing hazard trees along Geyser Pass Road.

Crews increased containment in upper Pack Creek and south of Brumley Creek. There are some areas where crews cannot safely engage in a direct attack, like the steep slopes of Hell Canyon and Mount Mellenthin. In those places, they are looking at natural barriers to contain fire spread along with air resources.

Cloud cover will increase throughout the day today (Thursday) and there’s a continued uptick in relative humidity. Both should reduce fire behavior. However, there is a slight threat of dry thunderstorms today and Friday. Fire managers are optimistic containment will continue to increase but are remaining attentive to the changing weather conditions. 

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June17_9am

Wednesday, June 16th 9AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 9AM Wednesday, June 16th:

An excessive heat warning remains in effect through Friday, which – combined with historic drought – makes for challenging firefighting conditions. However, crews made progress on the western side of the fire near Brumley Creek and the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Containment is now at 26%. Crews continue to prioritize the Oowah Lake area, including the campground and infrastructure. The fire has not reached the shores of Oowah Lake and remains south of the dam.

Smoke will continue to impact the surrounding communities of Moab and Spanish Valley over the next few days. While some of the smoke in the valley during the morning hours is from the Pack Creek Fire, the majority of the smoke bringing hazy skies to the area is coming from fires across Arizona, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. As containment increases over the next week, smoke from the Pack Creek Fire will be reduced. But residents and visitors should anticipate smoke impacts in the area for the foreseeable future.  

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Fire_June16_9am

Tuesday, June 15th 10AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 10AM Tuesday, June 15th:

Public Presentation Announcement

Monday, June 14th 9PM

The following is a brief update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 9PM Monday, June 14th:

As of 9PM Monday evening, Utah Fire Info is reporting the Pack Creek Fire is 16 percent contained. It’s current size is 8,243 acres and 426 personnel are actively working on the fire. Crews continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety and structure protection.

Personnel working on the Pack Creek Fire created an interactive map with photos, area closure information, and other details. Find it here: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c47831feb81d4aed940fcd234fc929cd

Monday, June 14th 9AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 9AM Monday, June 14th:

Forest Service investigators are continuing to explore leads that may help identify those responsible for the start of the Pack Creek Fire. They have set up a tip line for anyone who may have information: 775-355-5337. 

The combination of record heat, extremely dry fuels and steep, rugged terrain is presenting historic challenges for firefighters attempting to control the Pack Creek Fire’s spread. More containment lines were secured on Sunday around Pack Creek, but containment remains at six percent due to growth in the fire’s outside perimeter.

Firefighters will continue their work along the fire’s western perimeter near Brumley Creek, where fire spread has been more moderate. They also are working to protect structures and other valuable assets that lie in the fire’s anticipated path in upper Pack Creek and north and east into the Oowah and Warner Lake basins. Given current conditions, the fire has potential to continue moving east of Geyser Pass, threatening structures in the area of Blue Lake and Dark Canyon. Residents of this area were ordered to evacuate Sunday night.

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack-Creek-Wildfire-Update_June14_9am and map: Pack Creek Fire Public Information Map 6_14_9am

Sunday, June 13th 7PM

Evacuation Order from San Juan County Sheriff Jason Torgerson:

San Juan County Sheriff, Jason Torgerson, has ordered the evacuation of all private property in and around the area East of Geyser Pass on LaSal Mountains, from Blue Lake down through Dark Canyon area. The Sheriff’s Office has been notified that the Pack Creek Fire has breached the Geyser Pass road and therefore, for the safety of all citizens, they ask that everyone evacuate this area while it is safe to do so. For more information, visit the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page. 

Sunday, June 13th 9AM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 9AM Sunday, June 13th:

Firefighting crews reached 6 percent containment on Saturday, and that number is expected to increase with the arrival of over 100 more personnel over the next two days. However, the excessive heat warning forecast Monday through Friday increases the risk of rapid fire spread. The evacuation order for homes in the lower section of Pack Creek was lifted at 6AM today. But homes in the upper section remain under evacuation. Area roads and trails surrounding the fire remain closed. For a full list of closures click here. 

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: Pack Creek Wildfire Update_June13_9am

Saturday, June 12th 8PM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 8PM Saturday, June 12th:

Barring unexpected events, the evacuation order for homes in the lower section of Pack Creek is expected to be lifted tomorrow (Sunday) at 6 a.m. for residents only. However, the homes in the upper section remain under evacuation. Firefighters achieved 6 percent containment on the fire; more resources are expected to arrive in the next few days. Besides securing structures in Pack Creek, firefighters continued structure protection work on properties at higher elevations of La Sal Loop Road. Portions of the fire are inaccessible due to steep terrain.  

See press release from Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team: PM Update_PackCreekFire_June 12

Saturday, June 12th 1PM

The following is an update on the Pack Creek Fire as of 1PM Saturday, June 12th:

The U.S. Forest Service has issued a closure order in certain areas of the Manti-La Sal National Forest in order to prevent potential injury to the public while fire suppression operations are occurring. Most forest service roads in the local area have been closed. For a full list click here: Pack Creek Closure Order_6.12.21 and check utahfireinfo.gov. 

Saturday, June 12th 9AM