A wildfire burning along the Utah-Idaho border that is visible along a stretch of Highway 89 is creating a traffic hazard as curious motorists stop to get a good look.
The Utah Department of Transportation has issued an emergency alert, warning drivers in Logan Canyon that stopping, parking or standing along the canyon roadway is prohibited.
The increased traffic caused by drivers stopping in the canyon could delay emergency vehicles that are transporting heavy equipment and the hundreds of firefighters battling the blaze.
Sierra Hellstrom, Public Information Officer with the U.S. Forest Service, said Thursday that the Peterson Hollow fire, burning about 23 miles northwest of Logan, is 38 percent contained. It has burned nearly 2 square miles.
Firefighters are increasing efforts to secure the perimeters of the fire as winds are expected to increase by this afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Northern Utah, including Logan Canyon. Winds on the USU campus in Logan reached 37 miles per hour Thursday.