Currant Fire continues to burn east of Flaming Gorge

A fire burning east of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir has burned hundreds of acres since it was reported Sunday afternoon.

The fire at Currant Creek Ridge has been heavily attacked by firefighters from the Rock Springs Bureau of Land Management, Ashley National Forest and Sweetwater County Fire Department, as well as federal air resources, according to Mike Bournazian, Sweetwater County Fire Warden.

“We had a hard time getting to that fire itself,” Bournazian said.

The fire was initially reported at about 1:30 p.m., Sunday. The fire, identified as the Currant Fire, grew to a size of approximately 300 acres in a remove area above Currant Creek until it was slowed by ground and air attacks. It grew to 500-700 acres Monday afternoon.

Bournazian said about 30 to 50 acres of private property has burned however, no structures or injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze.

Bournazian said the fire was caused by lightning. He said based on the location of the fire and due to the limited access, it was lightning caused. He said a lightning storm came through on Thursday and lightning struck near a group of junipers.

According to Bournazian, juniper trees can hold an electrical charge for days.

Bournazian urges residents to stay out of the Currant Creek area east of County Road 33 for the next several days. He also urges residents to be vigilant while recreating outdoors as hot weather and dry vegetation have resulted in higher fire risks.

As for the cost of fighting the fire, Bournazian said he isn’t sure how much it will cost since they had to call in air support to fight the fire. He said the BLM has always been good about helping pay for the cost.