ST. GEORGE — The so-called Saddle Fire outside of Hildale quickly grew to over 20 acres and was 0% contained Saturday night. By Sunday afternoon, it was downgraded to over 7 acres.
A Twitter post by Utah Fire Info at 8:48 p.m. said the fire, reported at approximately 4 p.m., is located in southwest Washington County, northeast of Hildale.
“The fire has burned over 20 acres and is 0 percent contained,” the post reads. “Two structures are threatened, and several outbuildings with no evacuations ordered at this time.”
On Sunday afternoon, Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Jacqueline Russell shared an update from Utah Fire Info with St. George News. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 7 acres and is still 0% contained. However, it is expected to reach 100% containment by Monday at 6 p.m.
The blaze is not expected to grow in current conditions, and the update states that the aviation resources have been released. Fire crews are locating and extinguishing hot spots, and the public is asked to avoid the area.
“With continued hot and dry extreme temperatures, firefighter and public safety is the team’s priority,” the update reads.
Units from the Hurricane Fire Department, Colorado City Fire Department, the BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Air Attack (fire boss) reportedly responded to the fire. Four fire engines were dispatched to the scene.
Additionally, four SEAT (single engine air tankers) aircraft and one helicopter were battling the blaze from the sky.
Earlier in the day, the responding aircraft was grounded by a drone illegally flown in the area. Utah Fire Info reminds the public that personal aircraft are prohibited near fires as they pose a risk to crews in the air and on the ground.
“If you fly, we can’t,” the update reads. “Keep our firefighters safe!”
Utah Fire Info lists the fire as human-caused, but it is still under investigation.
This is a developing story.
St. George News reporter Alysha Lundgren contributed to this story.
Updated, July 16, 4:43 p.m., to include additional information released Sunday by Utah Fire Info.
Updated, July 17, 1:05 p.m., to include containment information release Monday afternoon.
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