Summit County residents who had to evacuate because of the Rocky Canyon Fire may return to their homes as of Thursday afternoon, but officials warned that the blaze is still active and community members should be prepared for the situation to change. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office announce d that all affected neighborhoods in Henefer have been moved from the “GO” status to the “SET” status. The “GO” status orders an immediate evacuation of the area while the “SET” status means residents should be prepared to leave if fire conditions shift. “While this is an important step forward, this change does not mean the threat from the fire has passed,” the department said. “Even in areas where there is currently no active fire, the ground, vegetation and other fuels can remain incredibly hot for an extended period of time. With the right wind conditions, these areas can reignite and quickly develop into an active fire.” The Sheriff’s Office said there are also flooding and debris risks near the burn scar, but emergency management personnel are working to mitigate the danger and are “prepared to respond.” The human-caused Rocky Canyon Fire spans 15,662 acres near Henefer and is 29% contained as of Thursday. Fire officials said the area did not receive as much moisture as they would have hoped despite the rain showers peppering parts of Utah this week. Cloud cover has helped moderate fire behavior, but crews have continued to “encounter active heat,” especially in steep and wooded areas. “Firefighters are moving carefully through steeper terrain where last night’s rain — combined with ongoing fire activity — has created unstable footing and occasional rolling debris,” officials said. “Direct work along (the) established dozerline is continuing where conditions are safe. Ground crews remain focused on strengthening (the) indirect line.” Lightning and winds remain a concern as first responders work to contain the fire. Officials said managers are tracking storms closely and plan to adjust operations depending on weather and safety needs. Information on the Rocky Canyon Fire is available through the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Fire Info and by visiting tinyurl.com/ym2jtc36.  The post Evacuated residents cleared to return home, but Sheriff’s Office warns fire is still active appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less