Harrisburg, parts of Leeds evacuated with fire burning wild

UPDATE - I-15 Northbound has reopened to traffic. Southbound is still closed between Toquerville and the Hurricane interchange.

(UPDATE) - According to Utahfireinfo.

Some evacuations in Harrisburg have been lifted.

The fire has been named the Cottonwood Trail fire.

It is currently estimated to be 3000 acres and was caused by a blown tire.

American Red Cross of Utah has opened a Cooling and Evacuation Center at Washington County Legacy Park, Grafton Building, 5500 W 339 South in Hurricane, to assist those affected by the fire.

Evacuations are in place in Silver Reef and Leeds. @UtahWildfire Washington County of Utah

(UPDATE) -- Silver Reef has been added to the evacuation order.

The town of Harrisburg and the southwest portion of Leeds have been evacuated after a wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon.

The fire burned hot on the west side of the freeway north of Harrisburg and southwest of Leeds.

"We're evacuating and the Red Cross has set up at the Washington County Fairgrounds for those with no place to go," said Leeds mayor Wayne Peterson. "This is a frightening situation. We want everyone to be safe. I have heard the fire jumped the freeway, but they got it out on the east side pretty quick."

Many drivers reported on social media that the fire was so close they could feel the heat and many left their cars or turned around in the median to get away from the conflagration.

"We went by at about 2 (in the afternoon) and it didn't seem like a big deal, but by the time we came back after doing some hiking, it was close to the freeway and the traffic was backed up for miles," said AJ Griffin, who was caught in the traffic jam.

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