Photo courtesy of the US Forest Service
Forest Service Press Release
On Tuesday, the Mammoth Fire continued to burn actively and was highly visible from surrounding areas. However, all fire activity was internal and the fire remains at 550 acres. The team objectives 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 dead vegetation and downed trees from beetle kill and a previous timber sale.
Crews are improving containment lines above Lake Canyon Campground and around the cabin. Firefighters are also putting out hotspots close to the fire perimeter to keep the fire from moving northeast into the campground and from moving further to the south and southeast. Forest managers placed a closure on the west side of Lake Canyon Campground due to fire activity and public safety.
The weather will continue to be hot and dry, with low humidity and with winds increasing Wednesday. Isolated torching may still be visible. Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 31, as the fire burns within the timber stands. The fire is about 29 miles northwest of Huntington and just southwest of the Miller Flat Junction with SR-31. The fire started on July 23 and was ignited by lightning.
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 Initial Attack Squad: 1
Total Personnel: 75 Helicopter: Available as needed