On Thursday, July 4, at approximately 4:54 p.m. a human-caused wildfire broke out in Horse Canyon on the border of Carbon and Emery County. The blaze, which as of the time of writing is estimated to occupy 50 acres and sits at 20% contained.

Officials have stated that no structures and populated areas are considered threatened at this time, but the Old Horse Canyon mine is near the fire.

Utah Fire info shared that with the fire burning in such steep terrain, mostly Pinyon Pine and Juniper trees were affected by the fire.

Also due to the steepness, the state has deployed a Type one helicopter, a Type three helicopter and two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs). In addition to this air support, three fire engines were also assigned.

Utah Fire Info shared a message on their Facebook at approximately 11:30 p.m. which read,” The fire is now estimated at 50 acres and is 20% contained. Good progress was made with aviation resources today. Resources will be back on the fire tomorrow.”

This fire marks the 431st fire in Utah in the 2024 fire season, also marking the 319th human-caused inferno of the season.

As of the time of writing, the exact cause of the fire outside of it being human caused is unknown. Castle Country Radio will provide more updates to the story as they become available.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.

Following a more accurate mapping of the Horse Canyon Area, the fire covers 25 acres and is 20% contained. Utah Fire Info shared that the Cedar City Hotshots and a Type Two hand crew have been assigned to the fire, and that they will begin establishing a perimeter in collaboration with the already present units.

UPDATE 8:13 p.m.

Utah Fire Info has reported the the fire has been 100% contained and in total took up 25 acres.

*Photo Courtesy of Utah Fire Info