Photo courtesy of the US Forest Service
Forest Service Press Release
Thursday, the Mammoth Fire saw very minimal fire behavior and is still reported at 600 acres. All observed activity burned internally, but has begun to cool and smolder along the perimeter. Firefighters are holding and securing the firelines and are watching for any hotspots. Crews are also working on clearing hazard trees near the perimeter and in the campground for public safety after the fire danger has been mitigated. Fire managers continue working to keep the fire moving into the campground.
The weather will be cooler today, which is expected to minimize fire behavior. Humidity is predicted to increase, along with the winds. Isolated torching may still occur within the perimeter as the fire burns in the timber stands. Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 31, but diminishing as fire activity lessens. The fire is about 29 miles northwest of Huntington, Utah and just southwest of the Miller Flat Junction with SR-31. The fire started on July 23 and was ignited by lightning.
The team is meeting its objectives, which are to keep the fire from growing east and southeast, and protect values-at-risk such as the Lake Canyon Campground, a permitted cabin, and range allotment infrastructure. The fire is benefiting the land, helping restore the ecosystem by clearing up dead vegetation and downed trees from beetle kill.
Although there are no fire restrictions on the National Forest at this time, visitors are asked to use caution when building fires. Never build a fire under a tree or in vegetation, never leave a fire unattended and always be sure it is dead out. Fireworks are never allowed on National Forests. To receive updates on fires on the Manti-La Sal National Forest go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal/ and sign up under Stay Connected!
Engines: 3
Type 2 Handcrew: 1
Hotshot Crew: 1
Helicopter: Available as needed
Total Personnel: 75