SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC 4 Utah) - Conditions are improving for crews battling the Rockport fire in Summit County. Evacuation orders have been lifted for several neighborhoods there. However the fire is still burning and crews are concerned about a new set of hazards.
Fire fighters are now showing the media a first hand look at the destruction the Rockport fire is leaving behind.
"You can see the dozer line that we're put in," said a firefighter.
Although the fire continues to burn through the Summit County hillsides, so far flames have destroyed just under 2,000 acres, and its only 50% contained - Friday fire crews allowed the media to go in and witness the devastation. Some of the homes barely escaped the flames.
"We wanted to stop and say thank you to the people who put their lives on the line for us," said Judy Cella, firefighters saved her home.
Others were not so lucky.
"My house next door, the neighbors’ house next door is completely gone," said Jerry Serra, evacuated from his home.
Some who were evacuated from their homes sought refuge in a makeshift Red Cross service center in a LDS chapel nearby.
"A lot of people are still in shock so they're just finding out there is someplace they can go to get some assistance, most people don't realize there is assistance for them," said Olivia Moreton, Red Cross volunteer.
Right now crews are optimistic the path of destruction will soon come to an end.
"We’re looking at through the weekend, maybe the first of next week," said Chief Kevin Smith, North Summit Fire District.
A hydrologist from the National Weather Service is hoping this area doesn't get any heavy rains.
"What's it's going to take is an intense thunderstorm and maybe a half an inch in an hour and we could see debris flows coming down off this burn scar," said Brian McInerney, Hydrologist.
The Rockport Estates and Rockport Ranches areas are still under evacuation. Crews are planning to update their assessment Saturday morning. But from what ABC 4 Utah is being told people will likely not be allowed back into their homes until Monday.
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Follow Brian Carlson on Twitter: @briancarlsontv Reported by abc4 2 days ago.
Fire fighters are now showing the media a first hand look at the destruction the Rockport fire is leaving behind.
"You can see the dozer line that we're put in," said a firefighter.
Although the fire continues to burn through the Summit County hillsides, so far flames have destroyed just under 2,000 acres, and its only 50% contained - Friday fire crews allowed the media to go in and witness the devastation. Some of the homes barely escaped the flames.
"We wanted to stop and say thank you to the people who put their lives on the line for us," said Judy Cella, firefighters saved her home.
Others were not so lucky.
"My house next door, the neighbors’ house next door is completely gone," said Jerry Serra, evacuated from his home.
Some who were evacuated from their homes sought refuge in a makeshift Red Cross service center in a LDS chapel nearby.
"A lot of people are still in shock so they're just finding out there is someplace they can go to get some assistance, most people don't realize there is assistance for them," said Olivia Moreton, Red Cross volunteer.
Right now crews are optimistic the path of destruction will soon come to an end.
"We’re looking at through the weekend, maybe the first of next week," said Chief Kevin Smith, North Summit Fire District.
A hydrologist from the National Weather Service is hoping this area doesn't get any heavy rains.
"What's it's going to take is an intense thunderstorm and maybe a half an inch in an hour and we could see debris flows coming down off this burn scar," said Brian McInerney, Hydrologist.
The Rockport Estates and Rockport Ranches areas are still under evacuation. Crews are planning to update their assessment Saturday morning. But from what ABC 4 Utah is being told people will likely not be allowed back into their homes until Monday.
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Follow Brian Carlson on Twitter: @briancarlsontv Reported by abc4 2 days ago.