Press Release

June 10, 2021, at 7:50 p.m.

Despite today’s high winds, which grounded firefighting aircraft, crews on the
ground were able to hold the Bear Fire west of US-6 with successful firing
operations. An estimate on acreage is not available tonight and no containment is
being reported.

US-6 remains closed tonight from milepost 221 to milepost 230. A detour route along
Emma Park Road and US-191 is still in place. The detour route adds about 8 miles and
12 minutes to regular travel and gives drivers access to both directions on US-6.

US-6 will remain closed at overnight and into Friday morning when the closure will
be reevaluated.

A shift in wind direction tonight has pushed more smoke into Helper and Price. Fire
officials understand the increased smoke is concerning but are confident they can
keep the fire from reaching Helper.

“I know things look bad with all the smoke, but the fire is still hung up high on
the hillsides,” Type 3 Incident Commander Jason Porter said. “The smoke is just
bending down into the canyon and the valleys.”

The northern edge of the fire is along Ford Ridge. Firefighters feel good about
being able to hold the fire on the ridge based on the terrain and prevailing winds
in the area, according to Porter.

The location of the fire on Ford Ridge is about three miles from Beaver Ridge and
Beaver Creek. Firefighters are aware of the cabins and radio towers in the Beaver
Ridge/Beaver Creek area and will make every effort to provide advance notice to
property owners if the Bear Fire starts to threaten that area.

Friday’s weather forecast is calling for calmer winds and cooler temperatures.
Firefighters plan to take advantage of the change and look for opportunities to
engage the fire directly.