Friday June 18, 2021

Favorable weather helped firefighters make gains on containment of the Pack Creek Fire on Thursday. Although the blaze is now 36 percent contained, there’s still a lot more work to do. As fire information officer Nick Howell says, the crew has now entered what they call 'the grind' of suppression work.

Plus, our Weekly News Reel where we chat with local reporters about their latest stories. Carter Pape at The Times-Independent (7:00) discusses the early days of the Pack Creek Fire, as well as the conclusion of a series on housing and workforce shortages. Maggie McGuire at the Moab Sun News (20:00) discusses their approach to Pack Creek Fire coverage in a conversation about the role of local media in ongoing emergencies.

Show Notes:

Photo: Pack Creek Fire, Utah Fire Info

Pack Creek Fire Info
https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c47831feb81d4aed940fcd234fc929cd
and
https://www.kzmu.org/pack-creek-fire-updates/

Investigators are still seeking leads that may help identify those responsible for the fire’s start. Anyone who may have information about the start of the Pack Creek Fire can call the tip line at 775-355-5337.

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: ‘Success and struggles’
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/success-and-struggles/
The Times-Independent: Pack Creek Fire remains under 8,500 acres as of Tuesday; 16% containment
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/pack-creek-fire-live-updates/
The Times-Independent: Officials say Moab needs leadership on housing
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/officials-say-moab-needs-leadership-on-housing/
The Times-Independent: Housing – Is Moab reaping what it sowed?
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/housing-is-moab-reaping-what-it-sowed/

Moab Sun News: Intense and complex – a firefighter’s view of day one of the Pack Creek Fire
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_f15d6306-cf8a-11eb-ad55-8312164fb0e5.html
Moab Sun News: Pack Creek Fire expected to burn for weeks – Wildfire has burned over 8,000 acres, cost over $3.5 million
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_f06e6c5c-cf84-11eb-99fa-ebb4867e4e69.html
Moab Sun News: Pack Creek fire breaks through Geyser Pass Road; new evacuations ordered
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_57f0d318-ccb7-11eb-9087-17bf5d3e3ba5.html