Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Wood Hollow Fire


plein air, 6" x 8", oil, 'Cedar Hills Beauty'

The 2012 Wood Hollow fire in Sanpete County will go down in history as Utah's most frightening wildfires. Fueled by erratic winds, destroying 160 structures, including 52 homes, and claiming the life of one person.


The wildfire started June 23, 2012 and burned 47,387 acres in 10 days. It was fought by 789 people, as well as seven helicopters and eight airplane tankers. Total costing nearly $4 million to fight.


The 75-square-mile blaze began near Fountain Green when winds caused two sets of high-voltage power lines to either touch or swing close enough to each other to create a surge then swept down the poles into dry brush.


Sunday, June 24, 2012 by my home on 5th West in Mt. Pleasant


Monday, June 25, 2012 in the meadow looking west


Tuesday, June 26, 2012 approaching the range-land


As I drove farther into the Cedar Hills, north-west of Mt. Pleasant, it seemed the fire had shifted to the south. I thought for sure I would never see the old granary again. 


Instead, the wind changed directions and raced towards the north saving the structure and fences on our property. The town of Fairview was evacuated and highway 89 was closed soon after I took these parting shots of the Cedar Hills.

                              



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