PARK CITY, UTAH — Due to the rainfall the Parleys Canyon area received yesterday and the continued firefighting efforts, residents evacuated during the Parleys Canyon Fire were allowed to return home last night, according to a social media post from Summit County Sheriff – Utah.
“All Summit County residents may return to their residences tonight at 8 p.m. This includes Summit Park, Timberline and Pinebrook,” the post states.
The post goes on to state that “the weather has worked in our favor.”
According to the latest InciWeb report released this morning, an estimated 1/2 inch of rain fell on the Parleys Canyon Fire throughout the night. Another 1 1/2 inches is expected to fall through Thursday.
“Firefighters will assess weather conditions and continue increasing containment to prevent further growth towards the multiple residences located in Summit Park, Pinebrook, and Lambs Canyon when favorable weather conditions permit,” the report states.
The InciWeb report states the fire is now 40 percent contained and at 541 acres. The fire, which was caused when a catalytic convertor in poor working order ejected hot particles along the roadside, started Saturday, August 14. Currently, 278 firefighters are working to contain the fire, but those numbers will decrease as containment increases.
“The total number of assigned resources will decrease beginning today, as wetting rains and accelerated firefighter progress mean fewer firefighters are needed to complete containment,” the report states. “These resources may be sent on to other existing or new fires. Some will get to return home for days off.”
Today, the fire will be monitored by minimal staffing to minimize potential hazards created by the rain, including muddy, wet roads and access trails, the report states. When safety concerns have been addressed, weather conditions will allow firefighters to take advantage of those conditions present in heavily timbered areas while continuing to construct remaining fire lines needed for full containment.
Fire behavior is expected to be minimal today, however large amounts of water runoff are possible in fire burned areas as weather forecasting models indicate the potential for an inch or more of rain, including the possibility for flash flooding.
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Closure has also been lifted. All closures on Interstate 80 have been lifted and all lanes of travel are currently open.
