SEVIER COUNTY, Utah — Power is expected to remain out on Thursday for those who live near the growing Monroe Canyon Fire as it continues to restrict the ability of crews to repair poles that have been damaged by the flames.
Garkane Energy said 12 of its poles have been burned, with the possibility of more being damaged, depending on where the fire goes. On Thursday, the fire had grown to 48,363 acres and is just 11 percent contained.
Power outages are now affecting 3000 people.
"We know it’s bad news but we expect power to be off the rest of the day as we continue to monitor the fire," the company said in a statement.
While crews attempt to repair the damaged poles, Gerkane is bringing in large-scale generators to supply Wayne County residents with power.
As the Monroe Canyon Fire continues to grow in central Utah, burning over 48,000 acres, evacuation orders were issued Wednesday for several areas surrounding the wildfire.
Sevier County Emergency Management ordered evacuations for Burrville, Monroe Canyon and parts of Poverty Flats on Wednesday.
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."
