Fire Summary: Due to the dry and warm weather, the fire started smoldering and creeping internally but was away from the fire lines. There are containment lines on the north, east and south side of the fire that have been holding the fire for a few days now. Some internal burning will likely continue for a few weeks and will continue to do so until ample precipitation falls on the fire. The size is estimated to be approximately 2,866 acres. Smoke was visible from Skyline Drive, Upper Joes Valley and from Millers Flat Road yesterday. Precipitation is expected on the burn area and in the region by midweek. The precipitation is expected to again limit fire behavior on the fire. Potters Ponds Campground along with the Lowry Water Road (FR 038), and the Potters Canyon Road (FR 271) in the vicinity of Potters Ponds are closed. Access to Skyline Drive from Millers Flat Road is not possible to full size vehicles via Potters Pond Canyon Road. ATVs can use Trail 3306 to skirt around Potters Pond and then reach Skyline Drive An Area Closure is in effect and more specific information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5022/. There is a gas line to the northeast of the fire that has been turned off.
Containment lines will continue to be secured and mopped up on the fire. Today’s actions by engines, hand crews and an air resources will increase containment and will likely prevent the fire from moving further south, east and north at this time. The fire is now 60% contained.
Today, the Central Utah Incident Management Type 3 Team will transition with the local Forest Incident Management Team and will turn management of the fire back to the Forest.
Discussion: This fire is being managed for multiple resource benefits based on local fire plans that have been developed with public input over a period of years. Benefits of managed wildfire include reducing hazardous fuels, protecting human communities from extreme fires, and minimizing the spread of pests, insects and disease. They also open up the forest floor to enhance wildlife travel paths and provide additional forage for game. We also recognize the role that fire plays as a management tool. The goal of managing fires for resources benefits is to allow fire to resume its natural role in the ecosystem. Ultimately, this results in greater safety for both the public and firefighters as well as a healthier forests for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, protection of important infrastructure and values will be protected by firefighters as part of management of this fire.
Jurisdiction: Ferron/ Price Ranger District, Manti-La Sal National Forest.
Fuel Type: Aspen and Mixed Conifer
Structures and Closures: An Area Closure is in effect and can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5022/ and this removes trails and areas to those previously closed. Potters Ponds Campground, Water Lowry Road (FR 038) and the Potters Canyon Road (FR 271) in the vicinity of Potters Ponds are closed. Potters Pond Road is open to all vehicles from the top down to Trail 3306 where only ATVs then have access down to Millers Flat Road down the ATV trail. Access to the area where the fire is active is closed to the public and fire managers are asking the public to stay out of the area so that firefighters can safely conduct their firefighting actions. No Structures have been burned.
Percent Contained: 60%-Managed fire with actions to protect important infrastructure including cabins, campgrounds and power line.
Fire Crews/Resources: 1-Helicopters, 6-Engines, 1-Hand crews, 1-Wildfire Module, and other overhead for a total of 84 personnel
For more information on fires in Utah, visit www.utahfireinfo.gov. For more information on fires across the country, visit www.inciweb.org