UPDATED: Evacuation order lifted for wildfire near Virgin, road closure in effect

ST. GEORGE — The human caused Kolob Fire that was reported just before 4 p.m. on Saturday has grown to seven acres northeast of Virgin.

The human caused Kolob Fire has grown to seven acres northeast of Virgin, Utah, July 27, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Luke Bryan, St. George News

Utah Fire Info reported several structures are currently under threat and evacuations are in place near the area.

“Evacuations are underway for the area of Kolob Terrace Road to SR-9,” Utah Fire Info posted to X. “A road closure is also in place for Kolob Terrace Road. Please avoid the area for firefighter and public safety.”

Both air and ground resources are already responding to the fire, including Hurricane Valley Fire District, state and federal agencies.

Fire officials said the fire appears to have started in a trailer and spread to brush. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Kolob Fire was reported to be human caused near Virgin, Utah, July 27, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Nanette Billings, St. George News

Updated at 9 p.m. on July 27: Utah Fire Info updated the estimated size of the Kolob Fire has grown to 300 acres as more road closures have been issued.

“Local, state, and federal resources are on scene,” Utah Fire Info posted to X. “The Dalton Wash Road has been closed. Currently, the fire is 0% contained & burning pinyon-juniper & brush in steep terrain.”

Area evacuations are still in effect until further notice.

Updated at 10:30 a.m. on July 28: Per the National Interagency Fire Center, the Kolob Fire is now estimated at 601 acres in size.

The Kolob Fire was reported to have started in a trailer and spread to brush near Virgin, Utah, July 27, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Hurricane Valley Fire & Rescue, St. George News

Hurricane Valley Fire & Rescue reported that three engines, one water tender, and two aerial crews monitored the fire throughout the night.

Avoid the area of Kolob Terrace Road two miles north of state Route 9 and Dalton Wash Road for the safety of firefighters and the public.

Updated at 2:30 p.m. on July 28: Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands Public Information Officer Kayli Guild told St. George News the evacuation order has been lifted for homes near the Kolob Fire, but road closures still remain in the Dalton Wash area for firefighter safety and an incident command post.

More information on the wildfire will be provided in the fire agency’s Sunday evening update.

“The afternoon winds will also play a factor in whether or not the lines hold,” Guild said. “We should have a better assessment of containment by then.”

Updated at 7:20 p.m. on July 28: Fire officials are reporting the Kolob Fire displayed minimal fire behavior on Sunday. According to Utah Fire Info, crews achieved 40% containment.

“Crews will continue extinguishing interior hotspots and securing containment lines,” Utah Fire Info posted to X. ”Please be cautious as firefighters continue to work in the area.”

This story will be updated as more information is released by fire officials.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

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