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The current weather forecast calls for continued warm and dry conditions over the fire area. This will continue to dry out fuels and make them more available to burn. A weather system is expected to bring moisture to the region on Thursday. This system may be proceeded by dry lightning and erratic outflow winds. Firefighters are strengthening containment lines in anticipation of a possible wind test for the fire area.

The recent influx of precipitation has allowed crews to establish significant gains in the construction of containment line. Crews are now operating on all sides of the fire and are working to extinguish active heat sources near and on the edge, while continuing the construction of containment line and features throughout the fire area. Crew progress has been challenged by steep terrain with significant levels of blowdown. Blowdown is the natural and haphazard stacking of numerous trees within an area.

The recent influx of precipitation has allowed crews to establish significant gains in the construction of containment line. Crews are now operating on all sides of the fire and are working to extinguish active heat sources near and on the edge, while continuing the construction of containment line and features throughout the fire area. Crew progress has been challenged by steep terrain with significant levels of blowdown. Blowdown is the natural and haphazard stacking of numerous trees within an area.

The weather conditions have been a big help to firefighters on the Speirs Fire the last few days. Cloud cover, which is favorable weather, and scattered showers helped, along with night recovery, which is when the relative humidity goes up and the temperature goes down. This slowed the fire spread to help crews on the line. Weather conditions are expected to turn dry and hot for the weekend and into the beginning of next week.

Moist weather is helping firefighters to actively engage the Speirs Fire, but forecasted hot and dry conditions are expected next week. While the weather remains favorable, firefighters will take advantage and continue to aggressively suppress the fire.

Recent increasing moisture trends throughout the fire area have led to a decrease invisible fire activity over the last few days. A mixture of direct and indirect line has been established along the heel of the fire. Direct line is the removal of burnable material along the blackened edge of the fire to ensure the fire is unable to continue burning through the area. In regions where firefighters are unable to directly engage the fire, indirect line is being constructed. Crews were able to begin engaging in “mopup” procedures around sections of line that have been marked as secured.

Daily Update, July 17, 2024: #SpeirsFire

The fire is zero percent contained with approximately 95 personnel assigned to the incident. The size of the fire is now 712 acres. Monday’s activity was light due to cloud cover and afternoon showers. Fire growth did occur on the southern side of the fire towards Greens Draw. As large fuels continue to burn, smoke may be noticeable in the area.  

Dutch John, Utah, July 15, 2024  - Fire activity on the Speirs Fire was moderate on Sunday. Fire growth occurred primarily on the south and east side of the fire, crossing over Spruce Creek about a mile southeast of Speirs Peak. The size of the fire is now estimated at 700 acres.