NEW HARMONY – The New Harmony fire is now as estimated to be 2,000 acres in size – one acre is equivalent to one football field. However, the fire has yet to be accurately mapped.
The fire began on Wednesday on at 1:50 p.m. near New Harmony Wednesday. It is believed to be human-caused and is under investigation
Nick Howell, New Harmony fire information officer, said eight structures were lost and one vehicle has damaged due to the fire. Various structures remain threatened.
Currently the majority of the fire activity is west of I-15.
So far there is zero percent containment.
Howell said the fire behavior is currently torching and making short runs adjacent to Interstate 15 and towards structures in the Bumblebee Subdivision, north of New Harmony, Utah.
Earlier, evacuations were put into effect for residents in the immediate fire threat area, which included Bumblebee and portions of New Harmony close to I-15. Some Kanarraville residents on the west side of I-15 were also evacuated.
A reverse-911 system was activated for home owners that are threatened by the fire.
The evacuation center at the LDS Chapel in Kanarraville has closed. A new evacuation center has been set up in Cedar City at 155 E. 400 South at the Cedar City LDS Stake Center as of 6:47 Wednesday. The Washington and Iron County Red Cross are aiding the evacuees.
Paul Dunsdon, the public information officer of the Red Cross of Southern Utah, said Kanarraville was without power Wednesday.
Washington County Emergency services reported the fire crossed I-15 at milepost 43, leading to the evacuations in Kanarraville.
The Bureau of Land Management and multiple agencies are involved in fighting the fire.
Kevin Kitchen with Utah Department of Transportation confirmed that I-15 has been closed between Exits 59 at Cedar City and Exit 27. Southbound traffic is being rerouted through state Road 18.
Highway 144 remains closed to non-residents.
Northbound I-15 was reopen at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday. Southbound I-15 opened around 11 p.m.
One firefighter was burned with first and second degree burns. He was treated and released at a local hospital.
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Copyright 2012 St. George News.
wow, to think it’s only june…we have many months, stupid people and lightning storms to go…
Should People in Cedar city be concerned to evacuate?
@Kylee: I’d like to know that too!! I heard they’re starting to evacuate some of Kanarraville, but I might be wrong on that…
@Bekah Yep. Thats right. I would just like to be made aware if we should be prepared or not.
@Kylee: Yeah definitely. I’m following the feed on 99.9 KONY Country’s website, I’ll post here if I hear anything about Cedar. So far they’re saying it’s still not contained at all, which is scary. I hope it ends soon!
Heard on the scanner that its just people on the west side of I-15 in kanarraville. But its also north of the rest area as well.
Family in Hamilton Fort/ Rainbow Ranches on standby as of 8p.m. which is abt 8 miles south of Cedar
I have family in harmony heights. Has the fire got that far south yet? Any info appreciated.
My parent’s (deceased) property is on Old Highway 91 near Exit 40, across from the Visitor Center. It would be a sad end if it goes. Five acres of brush dad never cleared.
@Brandy As of right now that property is not burned the fire is further up and was heading in the other direction My parents live off of that exit as well