TUESDAY 7/27/2021 9:40 a.m.
HUNTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – The temporary closure of Old Snowbasin Road has been lifted as fire crews reach 85% containment on the Art Nord Fire.
The wildfire broke out Saturday after authorities say there was a ricochet while someone was target shooting in the area.
Despite previous reports, the U.S, Forest Service reports the Art Nord Fire, which prompted evacuations for about 50 homes, has reached 46.3 acres. Evacuations were lifted late Saturday night.
“Target shooting in Utah is not allowed within 600 feet from structures,” the U.S. Forest Service reminds. “This is a great example of how easily a spark can start a small fire and grow rapidly to threaten homes along with recreational opportunities due to our dry conditions. If you cause a wildfire by leaving an abandoned campfire, dragging chains, or target shooting, you can be held responsible for the suppression cost.”
Road, trail closures continue near Art Nord Fire
SUNDAY 7/25/2021 2:00 p.m.
HUNTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – Road and trail closures remain in effect near Huntsville and Snowbasin in Weber County as crews continue fighting the Art Nord Fire.
The wildfire broke out Saturday after authorities say there was a ricochet while someone was target shooting in the area.
Despite previous reports, the U.S, Forest Service reports the Art Nord Fire, which prompted evacuations for about 50 homes, has reached 46.3 acres. Evacuations were lifted late Saturday night.
As of Sunday afternoon, the Art Nord Fire is about 5% contained.
While little smoke is visible, Utah Fire Info reports the top of Old Snowbasin Road to the Art Nord trailhead and Wheeler Trail Systems remain closed.
Fire crews on the ground worked through the night to dig a containment line around the fire perimeter.
Resources from the U.S. Forest Service and the Weber Fire District reinforced the containment line around six structures that were immediately threatened.
On Sunday, crews plan to continue extinguishing hot spots around the line and use the helicopter as needed. The Utah Department of Transportation will also close Highway 39 between the dam and Trapper’s Loop when a helicopter is used to allow for water delivery from Pineview Reservoir to the fire.
“Target shooting in Utah is not allowed within 600 feet from structures,” the U.S. Forest Service reminds. “This is a great example of how easily a spark can start a small fire and grow rapidly to threaten homes along with recreational opportunities due to our dry conditions. If you cause a wildfire by leaving an abandoned campfire, dragging chains, or target shooting, you can be held responsible for the suppression cost.”
Art Nord Fire, sparked by target shooting, burns 50 acres
SUNDAY 7/25/2021 8:13 a.m.
HUNTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – Evacuations have been lifted for about 50 homes near Huntsville that were threatened by the Art Nord Fire Saturday afternoon.
The fire was sparked by a ricochet from target shooting in the area, according to the Weber Fire District. The individual called 911 and remained on scene to take responsibility and assist investigators.
Numerous air and ground crews were called in to battle the blaze near Snowbasin. The Art Nord Fire spread to 50 acres, but has been contained as of Sunday morning. Overnight, crews continued to monitor the fire.
The Weber Fire District shared these photos of crews battling the fire, as well as the aftermath. In two of the photos, you can see just how close the fire came to nearby homes.
SLIDESHOW: Photos from the Art Nord Fire in Weber County
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Crews battle the Art Nord Fire, burning in Weber County, from above. Authorities say the fire was started by target shooting in the area. (Weber Fire District) -
Crews investigate the Art Nord Fire, started in Weber County. Authorities say the fire was started by target shooting in the area. (Weber Fire District) -
A hillside, charred by the Weber County Art Nord Fire. Crews were able to keep the flames from reaching nearby homes, like the one you see here. (Weber Fire District) -
A hillside, charred by the Weber County Art Nord Fire. Crews were able to keep the flames from reaching nearby homes, like the one you see here. (Weber Fire District)
SR 39, which was closed Saturday to allow crews access to the fire, has reopened. Old Snowbasin Road is closed at Basin View Road until further notice. Wheeler Creek is set to be closed on Sunday for all foot, bike, and vehicle traffic.
“Remember we are in a drought and although we received some rain recently it is not enough to prevent these incidents,” Weber Fire District reports. “Also, target shooting outdoors is very dangerous at this time and if you choose to exercise your 2nd Amendment Rights please try to utilize the indoor shooting ranges.”
Nearly two dozen evacuated as crews battle Art Nord Fire in Weber County
SATURDAY 7/24/2021 7:20 p.m.
HUNTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – Nearly two dozen homes have been evacuated as crews battle the Art Nord Fire burning near Huntsville.
Weber Fire District tells ABC4 the Pineview Estates have been evacuated. There are no structures threatened as of 7:20 p.m.
In addition to the numerous units already on scene, the Bureau of Land Management is also on hand.
Authorities say they are trying to get some hikers out of the area at this time.
Governor Spencer Cox says this fire was human-caused, sparked by target shooting.
For the latest, including photos and video of the blaze, scroll down.
ORIGINAL STORY: Fire burning near Snowbasin, evacuations underway
Video courtesy Creighton Green.
SATURDAY 7/24/2021 5:37 p.m.
HUNTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) – Emergency crews are responding to a grass fire in Weber County.
Weber County Dispatch has confirmed to ABC4 there is a grass fire along East Old Snowbasin Road near SR-39.
The blaze is not far from Snowbasin Resort in the Art Nord area off of Old Snowbasin Road.
The Weber County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to avoid the area as additional traffic is creating a traffic problem.
An ABC4 correspondent in the field reports aircraft can be seen battling the blaze. In the slideshow of photos below, you can see smoke rising in the sky.
As of 6:15 p.m., the Weber Fire District says the fire has reached about eight acres, with heavy fuel, and is threatening multiple homes. The Sheriff’s Office has already evacuated these homes.
The Weber Fire District shared the photos of the fire, seen in the slideshow below.
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Smoke rising from the grass fire burning near Huntsville and Snowbasin in Weber County. (Weber Fire District) -
Smoke rising from the grass fire burning near Huntsville and Snowbasin in Weber County. (Weber Fire District) -
Smoke rising from the grass fire burning near Huntsville and Snowbasin in Weber County. (Weber Fire District) -
Smoke rising from the grass fire burning near Huntsville and Snowbasin in Weber County. (Weber Fire District)
As of 6:35 p.m. Saturday, Utah Fire Info has dubbed this blaze the Art Nord Fire, estimating it to be at about 20 acres.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Utah Fire Info shared this aerial photo of the Art Nord Fire.
The Utah Department of Transportation reports eastbound Ogden Canyon is closed at Highway 158 and Highway 29 in Weber County. Both directions of Snowbasin Road are closed at Trappers Loop Road as well.
Viewer Creighton Green shared the video at the top of this story, and the photos below of the fire with ABC4.
This is a developing story, ABC4 will provide more updates on-air and online as they become available.
Smoke has already made the sky hazy for many across Utah. The Department of Environmental Quality already called for “unhealthy air for sensitive groups” for several counties in Northern Utah.