Brian Head Fire Grows to Over 27,000 Acres Overnight

A massive wildfire that has been burning in the Brian Head area of southern Utah since June 17 grew to nearly 28,000 acres on Friday, June 23, gaining 17,000 acres in one day.

High temperatures and 55 mph wind gusts are making it difficult for the more than 800 firefighters helping fight the Brian Head Fire. According to incident reports, the fire is 5 percent contained.

Mammoth Springs was the most recent town to be evacuated on Friday. Residents from Panguitch Lake, Horse Valley, Beaver Dam, Blue Springs, Rainbow Meadows, Dry Lakes, Second Left Hand Canyon and the entire town of Brian Head had been evacuated earlier in the week.

This video shows a timelapse of the smoke plume from the fire, which has reportedly spread to surrounding states, including Colorado. Credit: Matt Lancaster, U.S. Forest Service via Storyful