The Mack Shaft Fire east of Bonanza in Uintah County is nearing containment. The fire started on Friday around 5:20pm and is burning on state and private land. SR-21 closed east of Bonanza and Highway 45 was temporarily closed. The fire reached nearly 2,500 acres but no homes were threatened. Some powerlines were damaged and the poles are being replaced. A pipeline also suffered minor damage.The fire started within an area containing gilsonite so firefighters are exercising caution when working around it. Saturday’s wind drove the fire through dry fuels causing the aggressive spread of acreage. To combat the spread, firefighters lit many back burns to reduce the fuel available for the fire, a strategy which proved to be successful. Crews continue to watch burning gilsonite veins while others reinforce the fire edges so that it doesn’t gain further ground. TriCounty Health Department issued a public announcement that the burning gilsonite does not pose an imminent risk to public health. Gilsonite is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin that is only found and mined in Northeastern Utah. At this time, the greatest risk to health and safety is to those responding to the fire. Smoke from burning Gilsonite can be harmful when inhaled, particularly in large concentrations. As a result, fire officials have taken appropriate measures to ensure that all those fighting the fire are wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus. “After assessing the situation and consulting with emergency managers and our state partners, we don’t see any immediate risk to the public’s health,” shares TriCounty Director Jordan Mathis, “due to the isolated nature of the fire as well as current weather conditions. We want to thank our local and state partners for their assistance. We will continue to monitor the situation and make the public aware if there are any changes.” The fire was reported at 85 percent containment on Monday and fire officials were hopeful the blaze would be contained by Tuesday, June 20th.
photo credit: LaPoint/Tridell Fire Dept
