Mandatory evacuations have been ordered across parts of Tooele and Juab counties in Utah after the rapidly spreading Maple Peak Fire merged with the Cherry Fire, creating a massive wildfire now covering nearly 20,000 acres.
Fire officials confirmed that the combined blaze will continue to be known as the Cherry Fire. According to Iron Fire Public Information Officer Toby Weed, the two fires merged as strong winds and dry conditions fueled rapid fire growth across the region.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for the Vernon Reservoir and Lofgreen areas in Tooele County as flames continue to threaten nearby communities. Residents reported seeing thick smoke and fire advancing quickly across Highway 36.
“We saw the fire cross Highway 36 and move toward homes across the road. It looked like a huge wall of smoke coming straight at us,” Lofgreen residents Rebecca and Jared Richardson said.
Evacuations Expand Across Juab County
Officials have also ordered immediate evacuations for the communities of Eureka, Mammoth and Silver City. Residents have been instructed to travel east on Highway 6, while an emergency shelter has been established at the Elberta church.
The Tooele County Sheriff’s Office has designated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vernon as an evacuation center for residents in areas placed under “GO” status.
Road Closures and Fire Activity
Authorities have closed State Route 36 between SR-6 and the Juab Tooele county line because of intense wildfire activity linked to the nearby Highway Fire. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency crews.
Officials say the Highway Fire remains active near the southwest side of SR-36, adding to firefighting challenges.
State of Emergency Declared
Utah County officials have declared a State of Emergency as multiple wildfires continue burning across the region. Commissioner Skyler Beltran said the declaration will allow the county to access additional resources as firefighters battle the growing emergencies.
Officials noted that emergency resources had already been stretched by the ongoing Iron Fire before the Maple Peak and Cherry fires merged and began moving toward the same region.
Fire crews continue to battle several active wildfires across Tooele and Juab counties, while authorities warn that changing weather conditions could further increase fire danger. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert and follow all evacuation orders as firefighting operations continue.