While large fireworks were not in the mix for the Carbon County area on Wednesday night, the fire on Seeley Mountain provided plenty of excitement for the area.
At dusk the fire was flaring and could be seen into the night hours raging west-southwest of Price. Rumors came about that the fire was burning near Pinnacle Peak, but the fire was still far from there.
Law enforcement officers were deployed at a number of roads and dirt roads leading to the fire area as curious onlookers tried to get closer. Consumers Road was rife with traffice from about 9 p.m. until well after 11 p.m. as people flocked to it to see the fire. This was despite the fact there was a large flashing sign saying the road was closed and needed for fire suppression traffic.
According to the Moab Interagency Fire Center as of Wednesday the fire had burned over 40,000 acres with 15 percent containment. The resources being used on the fire now consist of 641 personnel, 24 engines, eight helicopters, two bulldozers, and 14 water tenders.
Burnouts were planned for Wednesday near Bob Wright Canyon on the northeast part of the fire and a dozer line had been built in Finn Canyon near Clear Creek. At the time of the release the fire was within 1.5 miles of Clear Creek. A fireline was also constructed using the gas pipeline easement and access road from Castle Valley Ridge to Consumers Road.
At this point no structures have been lost in the fire, although evacuations for some communities continue.
So far the cost of fighting the fire has gone well over $3 million.
No date has been given for total containment as of yet.
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