A firefighter was injured on Tuesday afternoon while battling the East Ute Plaza Fire in Fort Duchesne. The Uintah Fire District issued a press release stating that “during suppression activities, a firefighter was injured and received immediate first aid. They were taken by ambulance to a burn center for further treatment and evaluation. Our thoughts are with the injured firefighter and their family. An investigation is being conducted into the origin of the fire and the firefighter’s injury.” The East Ute Plaza Fire burned roughly 20 acres, and no homes were lost. Highway 40 was shut down for a period to ensure the safety of the public and first responders in the area and the fire district emphasized their appreciation for all who helped with this incident. The fire was listed as human caused. Access to parts of the fire was difficult due to the terrain and wetland areas but crews were able to protect nearby homes and get around the fire which was running south through heavy brush and cottonwoods. For more information about the East Ute Plaza Fire, contact Uintah Basin Fire Center at 435-789-7021.
