Spanish Fork, Utah, September 15, 2017 – The Tank Hollow fire, burning in the Sheep Creek and Tie Fork drainage on the Spanish Fork Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is estimated at 11,067 acres and 78% contained.  The lightning-caused fire started on August 11th.

Fire managers, along with 60 personnel from the U.S Forest Service, State of Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, and the Bureau of Land Management, are assigned to the fire.

“Although the fire in the past 34 days has impacted residents in the valley along with visitors to the area with smoke and area closures, fire ecologists are pleased with the fire effects,” stated Tank Hollow Incident Commander Trainee Tom Wilson. “The area within the fire perimeter was allowed to burn naturally creating a mosaic pattern that will improve Forest health and aspen regeneration which will develop better habitat for wildlife.”

Forest Service Unicorn Campground, Forest Service road #042 and Forest Service road #043 are now open for public access.  The following roads and trails remain closed due to the potential of mud slides and snags or dead standing trees that could fall throughout these areas which pose a public safety risk: Forest Service roads (Forest Service road #032), (Forest Service road #761) (Tie Fork road, Forest Service road #725) and Upper Tie Fork Single Track Trail (Forest Service trail #023). This includes all pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle and any type of motorized vehicle. See attached map.

Fire officials remind visitors and residents in the area that smoke and torching of trees, which are within the perimeter of the fire area, will be seen until late fall season.  Please do not report the fire.

The current Type III team will be transitioning to the local Type IV organization on Saturday, September 16, 2017, which means less resources and personnel on the fire for the remainder of the summer but will still be monitoring the fire.  Cooperators from other fire management agencies are assisting in the firefighting efforts.