Residents near East Canyon Reservoir must leave immediately after fire officials issued a GO evacuation order Sunday, Aug. 9, for all homes from Whites Crossing to East Canyon Dam in Morgan County.

The Rocky Canyon Fire, which ignited Friday, Aug. 7, off Highway 66 northwest of East Canyon Reservoir, has grown to an estimated 2,800 acres with 0% containment. Mapping data from the National Interagency Fire Center suggests the fire's perimeter may be closer to 4,372 acres.

Smoke from the blaze is visible across the Wasatch Front, including Alpine and Highland, where Alpine Days events continue through Aug. 15. Morgan County Fire Chief Brad Wilkes warned Saturday, Aug. 8, that residents could see smoke and flames for two to three weeks.

The fire is separate from the Canyon Road Fire that burned in the Alpine/Highland foothills Aug. 1.

Why the GO order was issued

Firefighters are conducting a back burn operation along Highway 66 to strengthen the fire line ahead of expected afternoon fire activity, according to TownLift. Utah Fire Info said on X that homes in the zone may be affected by the burn operation and directed residents to leave.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 6 a.m. Sunday. Approximately 120 personnel are using dozers, aviation resources and line construction to secure the perimeter.

"Last night, the fire tried to cross 66 in several places. We were able to hold the line on 66 in the north progression into Morgan. That was our priority, to make sure the fire did not get into town," Wilkes told KUTV Saturday, Aug. 8.

What evacuees need to know

An evacuation shelter is set up at MHS Trojan Century Center, 699 E. Young St., Morgan, expected to open around noon Sunday, according to ABC4. Large animals can be taken to the Morgan County Fairgrounds.

Residents in the GO zone should take medications, important documents, emergency go-bags, vehicles and pets. Pet carriers are recommended.

Hogback Summit, including Highway 65 and East Canyon Road from the Summit County line to Henefer Road, is in READY status, meaning residents there should prepare to leave if conditions worsen.

Road closures and recreation impacts

• Highway 66 is closed from Porterville to the SR 65 intersection.
• SR 65 from Henefer is closed past mile marker 22 to Highway 66.
• Highway 65 from Parley's Canyon remains open and is the only active route to East Canyon State Park.
• East Canyon Reservoir is closed to all boating, including paddleboards, because helicopters are using it as a water dip site.
• The north end of East Canyon State Park, including Dixie Creek Campground and day-use areas, was evacuated Saturday and remains closed.

Officials warn the fire area is a no-drone zone. Flying a drone forces grounding of aerial firefighting resources. The public is asked not to call 911 for evacuation information; Everbridge and IPAWS emergency alerts have been sent to affected residents.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Upcoming

Alpine Days events continue through Saturday, Aug. 15. No cancellations have been announced, though smoke may be visible from festival grounds.