NEW HARMONY, Utah, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Nearly 150 residents of New Harmony, Utah, left their homes Sunday in the face of a 10,000-acre wildfire, authorities say.
The Salt Lake Tribune said Washington County Search and Rescue team members prompted a voluntary evacuation in the Utah town Sunday as aerial crews attempted to contain the Mill Flat Fire through the use of fire retardant.
Sheriff Kirk Smith said local residents are being informed that firefighters will better be able to protect New Harmony homes if they take part in the voluntary evacuation.
The Mill Flat Fire has already consumed three homes and damaged three others, Washington County emergency services director Dean Cox said.
"The siding just melted off of one of the damaged houses," Cox told the Tribune. No injuries have been reported to date.
Lighting started the wildfire on July 25, but the blaze was strengthened Saturday by strong winds in the New Harmony area.
The Tribune said firefighters are focusing their efforts on preventing the wildfire, which has also benefited from hot dry conditions in the area, from damaging New Harmony properties.
