SEVIER COUNTY, Utah — The U.S. Forest Service is looking for the public's help in identifying someone who is believed to be linked to the start of the Monroe County Fire in Sevier County over the weekend.
As of Wednesday morning, the fire has grown to 8,646 acres and remains 0% contained, as evacuation orders remain in effect.
Officials are looking to identify a person driving a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) on Sunday on the west side of Monroe Mountain at approximately 2:30 p.m. The 2-door, dark blue UTV with red and white markings may have a cracked front windshield on the lower passenger side.
Anyone with information on the unidentified person is asked to contact the Forest Service at 801-388-3402.
The wildfire broke out Sunday in central Utah. It continues to threaten numerous buildings. In addition, parts of the Fishlake National Forest have been ordered closed due to the fire and will remain so until further notice.
The forest closure is for the Richfield Ranger District.
On Tuesday, the county announced that areas in Magelbys and north to Cove Mountain are under evacuation orders.
"The Elk Country Cabins need to evacuate. If you have property on Cove between Elk Country Cabins and Big Lake, you should start getting your belongings and personal items out. You may not get another chance other than today," the county warned.
Over the past few days, officials said an estimated 40-50 structures were threatened, and Magleby and Monroe Meadows were the areas first evacuated. Monroe Canyon Road has been closed, and county officials asked anyone still on the mountain to "evacuate down the Koosharem side."
A Red Flag Warning is now in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday and will bring extremely hot and dry conditions. Winds are forecast to reach up to 25 miles per hour.
The Central Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire early Monday.
