Fire lines holding on Neola blaze

NEOLA — Fire containment lines appear to be holding back a 42,000-acre wildfire as thunderstorms with dry lightning move across the Uintah Basin.

Fire officials said today that crews are making progress on the Neola North Fire. The fire is about 50 percent contained. Firefighters are creating more containment lines in steep terrain in the Pole Mountain area of the Ashley National Forest.

Strong winds appear to be a big problem for firefighters. Air operations were suspended briefly because of the winds. Afternoon thunderstorms are in the forecast this afternoon.

The Neola North Fire has killed three people since it started last week. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.