NORTH OGDEN, Utah — The danger surrounding the Willard Peak Fire in North Ogden died down significantly on Thursday, although crews are still working on the fire that is currently 577 acres and 14% contained.
Despite the success in mostly extinguishing the flames, evacuations will remain in effect through Thursday night for those living east of 1050 East and north of 2850 North, according to Weber County. Officials expect evacuation orders be lifted by 10 p.m. if conditions remain favorable. Though they caution residents may need prepare to leave again if evacuation orders are lifted.
The orders are still in place, although many residents have been seen in their homes in the affected areas.
The Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team took command Thursday from the initial attack resources. As of 4:30 p.m., officials said that no homes were lost to the fire, although flames came very close to neighborhoods in the area.
While the fire activity was greatly reduced, hot and windy conditions still leave the potential for growth, with state fire officials saying that despite flames not being visible, "there is still active fire in the more dense vegetation." Firefighters are still focusing on hot spots to ensure the fire doesn't threaten its perimeter.
Evacuees find refuge from Willard Peak Fire at emergency shelter:
"Fire managers are working closely with the emergency managers to lift [evacuations] as soon as it is safe to do so, and that the threat has reduced," officials shared. "We thank the public for their patience and helping us keep everyone safe."
For some residents, Wednesday's evacuations were a rush out the door. "It was instant panic," one resident told FOX 13 News. "Like, I just told the kids, grab your stuff, grab the phone cords, grab everything, you know, grab your brothers and sisters and go down to the church.”
Incredible video shows how close fire is to North Ogden homes (Joey Thurgood):
Others stated that their first thoughts were to grab family heirlooms, ".... my father was a jeweler and he had some pictures of my family that are irreplaceable that nobody else has pictures of.”
"We’re all feeling the stress," North Ogden City posted to its Facebook page. "Whether you're on the front lines, helping neighbors, or just trying to make sense of what's going on, please remember, kindness matters. A lot."
Sparked from a vehicle fire, the wildfire was originally said to have been threatening 15-20 structures, but that number grew as quickly as the fire itself. Ground crews from several fire departments responded, and helicopters and air tankers have been dropping water and fire retardant.
The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter that is receiving evacuees at 3602 North 500 West in Pleasant View.
Video below shows a time-lapse of the fire via UDOT cameras :
The North Ogden Divide Trailhead is still closed, and the Skyline North Trail is closed going north to Ben Lomond Peak, and the trail is closed from North Fork Park west and south to Ben Lomond Peak. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is closed for approximately 6 miles going north from North Ogden Divide.
While over 30,000 residents were without power near the fire on Wednesday afternoon, that number has diminished significantly, with most residents already having seen their power restored.
Video compilation below: Footage submitted by FOX 13 News viewers
In addition, the Weber County Fairgrounds is accepting affected livestock that need shelter due to the encroaching fire.
Video shows size of Willard Peak Fire below (Julie Douglas Ross):
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