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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. Incident Commander, Brett Waters, applauded crews saying, “the work that is being done in the field is absolutely outstanding.”

Due to the remote nature of the Speirs fire, crews have established a series of spike camps near the fire. Spike camps are forward operating sites that are established to allow for firefighters to stay closer to the fire. This increases the safety and efficacy of the crews as they can remove a multiple hour hike from their daily plan. Crews are being resupplied daily with helicopter based short haul missions.

Additionally, a Timber Task Force has entered the fire area, and is working to prepare a contingency line in the case that the fire is able to establish and move through the area. This task force will be establishing a fuel break in the Greens Draw area.

The previous moisture trend is predicted to move away from the fire area. This will likely be replaced by a return to hotter and dryer conditions. Temperatures are approximated to reach into the mid-eighties over the fire area. The relative humidity will decrease and dry out the fine fuels. These conditions are likely to increase the fire danger and can lead to higher visibility and activity for the Speirs Fire.

Closures:

Being on or within the following campgrounds, roads, and trails are prohibited on the Flaming Gorge Ranger District on the Ashley National Forest: Firefighters Memorial Campground, Greendale Group Campsite, Forest Service Road (FSR) 610, FSR 689, Lowline trail FST103 its junction with the Pipe Creek Trail, FST 003. Forest Service Trail 003 from the beginning at the junction with FST 103 to the junction of Forest Service Trail 004 and Forest Service Trail 004 to Greens Draw Road 049. For more information on existing closures, please visit the Ashely National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ashley/alerts-notices

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area remains open to the public for recreational opportunities.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in effect over the Speirs Fire area. Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)/drones is illegal within the TFR.

Start date: July 13, 2024 
Location: Approximately three miles south of the town of Dutch
John, Utah and south of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Fire size: 764 acres
Containment: 30%
Total personnel: 426
Cause: Naturally-Caused, Lightning

Speirs Fire Information Number: 435-709-8209 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.)