Large fire sparks in Utah’s Millard County

Crews were battling a large fire near Fillmore and Meadow in Millard County on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. | Caroline Yazzie

FILLMORE — Crews are battling a large fire near Fillmore and Meadow in Millard County on Sunday, fire officials said.

The blaze, dubbed the Goat Fire, was sparked by lightning on private land about 5 a.m., said Hannah Cowan, Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman.

“It has since gained some momentum. It’s now about 1,000 acres and it’s moving up-slope in mountainous terrain in Meadow Canyon, so pushing both sides of that canyon. And that’s being really pushed by these red flag winds,” she said.

While the flames started on private land, they later moved onto BLM, Forest Service, state land and more private land.

Strong winds and dry conditions fueled the fire’s growth throughout the afternoon, according to Cowan. The winds were expected to continue into late evening, and return again Monday morning, she said.

About 100 firefighters from different agencies were on scene working on the fire, with more expected to arrive.

Fillmore volunteer firefighters posted a video on Facebook showing flames consuming a large area of brush and urged people to stay out of the area.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Contributing: Dan Bammes

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