The Coal Hollow Fire continues to impact traffic on Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon as of Tuesday morning.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the fire is impacted four lanes and is closed off to traffic in both directions between mile post 189 (Thistle US-89 Junction) and mile post 229 (Castle Gate US-191 Junction).
UDOT recommends that eastbound traffic uses southbound I-15 to US-50 in Scipio to eastbound I-70. Westbound traffic is encouraged to use westbound I-70 to US-50 in Salina to northbound I-15. UDOT anticipates that using I-70 will add approximately one hour to travel time.
The Coal Hollow Fire started Aug. 4 due to a lightning strike. It is located in southeast Utah County near SR-6 and Dairy Fork and is currently threatening power lines, highway, railroad and residences.
“It is an aggressive, fast moving fire in steep terrain driven by hot winds in dry fuels,” crews report. “Continued hot dry weather is expected to result in continued, extreme fire behavior. Evacuations and area closures are in effect.”
Currently, there is no estimated time for the highway to reopen.