Wildfire Update – Fly Canyon Fire
Fire Summary: The size is estimated to be approximately 2,866 acres again today. The recent rain limited fire growth for two days now. There was very minimal smoke from the fire yesterday. The fire behavior included some single tree torching and smoldering. Potters Ponds Campground along with the Lowry Water Road (FR 038), Millers Flat Road (FR 014) from Millers Flat Reservoir to the junction with Lowry Water Road, and the Potters Canyon Road (FR 271) are closed. Indian Creek Campground is also closed. An Area Closure is in effect and can more specific information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5022/. There is a powerline near Potters Ponds and a gas line to the northeast of the fire that have been turned off. The powerline is expected to be recharged at 6 p.m. today. Point protection for the Potters Ponds campground, powerline, and structure protection for the cabins in Upper Joes Valley are priorities for firefighters today.
Firefighters will continue actions to control the fire growth between Potters Ponds and the northern ridge of Bulger Canyon to prevent the fire from progressing further north. Crews will continue to work on securing the fire line from Potters Ponds going toward Upper Joe’s Valley again today. Protection lines will continue to be constructed from the ridge between Black and Fly Canyons down slope towards Lowry Water to prevent the fire from progressing further south. Today’s actions by engines, hand crews, and air resources will lead to the fire being much more contained and will likely prevent the fire from moving further south, east, and north at this time. The fire is now 15% contained.
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. A structure protection group of fire resources is in place.
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 adds trails and areas to those previously closed. Potters Ponds Campground, Millers Flat Road (FR 014) from Millers Flat Reservoir to the junction with Lowry Water Road (FR038), Water Lowry Road (FR 038) and the Potters Canyon Road (FR 271) are closed. Indian Creek campground is closed. There is a powerline near Potters Ponds and a gas line northeast of the fire. 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
Percent Contained: 15%-Managed fire with actions to protect important infrastructure including cabins, campgrounds and powerline.
Fire Crews/Resources: 3-Helicopters, 12-Engines, 5-Hand crews, and overhead for a total of 188 personnel
Information on fires in Utah visit www.utahfireinfo.gov. Information on fires across the country visit www.inciweb.org