SEVIER COUNTY, Utah — As the Monroe Canyon Fire continues to grow in central Utah, burning over 36,600 acres, evacuation orders were issued Wednesday for several areas surrounding the wildfire.
Sevier County Emergency Management ordered the evacuations for Burrville, Monroe Canyon and parts of Poverty Flats, adding that all those who need to evacuate have been notified.
"No other cities or towns are being evacuated at this time," the agency said.
In addition to the evacuations, widespread power outages are now underway, affecting residents.
Garkane Energy said it has de-energized the transmission line that feeds Wayne County, Burrville, Koosharem, Antimony, Fish Lake and surrounding areas, and that they are working with fire crews to restore power as quickly as possible.
Nearly 3000 homes are currently affected by the outages that allow firefighters to get close to the powerlines as the fire approaches.
Earlier Wednesday, Sevier County Emergency Management Deputy William C. Taufer issued a warning, saying transmission lines through Bear Valley were expected to be powered down because of the flames.
"This may not come today but will eventually come in the foreseeable future. Start planning and preparing now," Taufer urged.
Weary residents watch as Monroe Canyon Fire bursts in size:
The following counties and towns will be affected by likely power outages:
- Garfield County
- Piute County
- Sevier County
- Wayne County
- Angle
- Antimony
- Burrville
- Fishlake Basin
- Greenwich
- Koosharem
Taufer said he will provide more information once his office receives it, but warned residents to start preparing for outages immediately, "especially for those who have special needs and will need assistance."
Burning since July 13, the Monroe Canyon Fire is now at 36,637 acres and is just 11 percent contained, which is down five percent from Tuesday.
