A fire in eastern Utah has grown rapidly to over 10,000 acres and is 0% contained, as of Monday.
The Deer Creek Fire has already claimed five buildings in the area. More than 300 firefighters, 10 fire engines, three helicopters, a plane, and other resources are fighting the fire.
Hot, dry, and windy weather conditions have complicated efforts to tame it.
The fire began on Thursday around 18 miles south of Moab, Utah. On Saturday, Utah Fire Info said there was a wildfire smoke “vortex,” in which flames were seen high in the air, causing an uncommon weather pattern that looks like a fire tornado.
FEMA’S FORK IN THE ROAD: ABOLITION OR SEAT AT THE CABINET
The fire is quickly approaching the state’s border with Colorado. Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) issued a disaster declaration because of this fire and several other uncontained fires in western Colorado. All of the fires in western Colorado were caused by lightning.
Another fire in neighboring Arizona has claimed nearly 100 buildings and a historic lodge at the Grand Canyon.
