ST. GEORGE — An evacuation order was issued in Central City Sunday afternoon as a wildfire was reportedly threatening homes.
A human-caused brush and structure fire was reported near 461 E. Central Street at approximately 3:55 p.m. and had grown to 10-15 acres as of this report, according to Utah Fire Info.
Local, state and federal resources are reportedly at the scene, with air assistance dispatched, according to WildCAD-E, a computer-aided dispatch system.
Washington County Sheriff Sgt. Lucas Alfred told St. George News that fire crews are “playing it extra safe right now.”
“We do have helicopters in the air, dropping retardant, water — trying to help control this as quickly as possible,” he said.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., the fire incident commander requested that St. George Consolidated Communications Center issue an emergency alert advising residents to “EVACUATE NOW” as the wildfire is reportedly threatening nearby homes.
“Take emergency essentials and leave immediately,” the alert reads.
The evacuation order covers residences east of Mountain View Drive and north of Center Street, including all those near East Mule Deer Road, Alfred said.
A shelter is being set up at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Veyo for those needing assistance.
Alfred said people should avoid the area.
“We do got a lot of lookie-loos out here on Pine Valley Highway,” he said. “So far, they’re keeping out of the way, but it can restrict fire crews from getting into where they’re trying to get to.”
Additionally, Alfred reminds locals that Southern Utah is under a fire weather watch.
“So be very mindful about what you’re doing,” he said. “People are getting geared up for the Fourth of July and buying fireworks — you can’t be setting those off yet. And right now, all unincorporated areas are under a fire restriction anyway. So you cannot be setting off fireworks.”
Southern Utahns should also avoid dragging chains on their vehicles, as they could light a fire in the dry brush at road edges.
“These can spread very quickly under these windy, hot, dry conditions,” Alfred said.
To learn more about fire restrictions and the upcoming holiday, click here.
This report is based on statements from records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
This is a developing story.
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