Wildfires

Wildfires - California, Utah

The Monticello Fire in Yolo County forced the evacuations of a neighborhood of about 40 homes and burned about 7,000 acres as of Sunday. The fire grazed a number of homes in the Golden Bear Estates neighborhood Saturday, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said, before being turned back by firefighters.

Crews are battling three large wildfires in southern Utah that were caused by lightning this week:

The Middle Ridge Fire is burning on 10,343 acres and is 30 percent contained. The fire is about 30 miles southwest of Panaca, Nevada and began on July 1. The fire received “significant rainfall” Sunday and crews hope to begin rehabilitation work on 5 miles of fire line on Monday.

The Cottonwood Fire is burning on 1,205 acres and is 60 percent contained. It is about 18 miles northeast of Panaca, Nevada and began on July 3. The press release stated high winds with gusts of up to 45 mph were observed in the area of the fire Sunday. Two firefighters working the blaze were treated for dehydration but are recovering.

The Greek Peak Fire is burning on 761 acres and is 80 percent contained. Two crews are still assigned to the fire but are expected to be released by the end of Monday. The press release stated the fire would be monitored daily starting on Tuesday. The fire is about 15 miles southwest of Enterprise Reservoir in Utah and it began July 2.