Four arrested in Millard County; firefighters battle blazes amid dry conditions and erratic winds

The Halfway Hill Fire in Millard County grew moderately overnight, Millard County, UT, July 10, 2022 | Photo by Utah Fire Information, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Four individuals were arrested Sunday after reportedly abandoning a wildfire near Fillmore, as the Halfway Hill and Dry Creek wildfires continue to burn in Millard County.

The Halfway Hill Fire in Millard County grew moderately overnight, Millard County, UT, July 10, 2022 | Photo by Utah Fire Information, St. George News

On Sunday KSL reported that four people were arrested on suspicion of abandoning a fire that caused property damage costing $1,000 or more. They were identified as Darri Rae Dewolfe, Tyler Russell Smith, Talon Lance Kessler and Michael Joseph Patti.

Police reported that they found evidence indicating that people had been near the location identified as the fire’s origin point and left abruptly. These individuals were later found and interviewed, according to KSL.

The four had reportedly attempted to extinguish the fire but left the scene without contacting the fire department or law enforcement. KSL reported they had been concerned their campfire may have caused the Halfway Hill fire, near Fillmore.

The fire’s activity increased Saturday due to erratic winds and dry conditions, making fire suppression efforts more challenging, according to an update issued by the Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team. Sunday’s weather conditions were expected to be similar, with possible isolated showers and thunderstorms.

The human-caused fire was reported on Friday at approximately 2 p.m. It has currently burned just under 8,000 acres and is 0% contained. It is burning in higher elevations on steep slopes, which fire managers said has caused rapid, uphill spread.

The Halfway Hill Fire in Millard County grew moderately overnight, Millard County, UT, July 9, 2022 | Photo by Utah Fire Information, St. George News

Fire managers advise that residents of the Virginia Hills subdivision are still under evacuation. However, they are working with the Millard County Sheriff’s Office to allow evacuees to return home as soon as possible.

Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 assumed command Sunday morning, said fire managers, adding that a fire camp was established at the Millard County Fairgrounds in Fillmore to support firefighters and other resources and advise citizens to be aware of increased traffic in and around the fire area, particularly in the morning and evening.

Currently, three helicopters, seven fire engines, four crews and three dozers – a total of 160 personnel – have been assigned to the wildfire, according to the update.

“Safety of the public and firefighters is the first priority on this and all wildland fires,” the update states. “Firefighters are working to minimize impacts to property and homes.”

As reported in the update, closures were enacted for public and firefighter safety in Fishlake National Forest. View the most recent closure map here.

Dry Creek Fire

Described Saturday as being “very aggressive,” the human-caused dry creek fire continues to burn as of Sunday afternoon, having increased to approximately 1,816 acres, according to an update shared on Utah Fire Info’s Facebook page.

A view of the Dry Creek Fire in Millard County, Utah, July 8, 2022 | Photo courtesy of Utah Fire Info, St. George News

Fire activity reportedly decreased Saturday with short uphill runs, backing, creeping and light smoke. On Sunday, the flames were expected to be terrain-driven and firefighters focused on securing the fire’s edge. Fire managers anticipate that forecast rain could affect the fire, the update states.

The fire is currently burning in Oak Creek Canyon, east of Oak City and is 40% contained. The only threatened structures are within Oak Creek Campground, the update reports. No structures have been damaged or destroyed.

Fire suppression efforts include 15 fire engines, eight water tenders, three Type 1 and two Type 2 hand crews, and two dozers and graders. Additionally, two helicopters are available, if needed. A local Type 3 team is expected to take command Monday morning.

Evacuations were issued Friday, but by Saturday most campers were able to retrieve their abandoned campers and tents, escorted by fire personnel.

Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the U.S. Forest Service, the Millard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Land Management were among the responding agencies.

St. George News Reporter E. George Goold contributed to this story, which is still developing.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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