Forest Service Press Release
Fire managers are continuing suppression efforts on the Mammoth Fire, a lightning-caused fire that has been managed for forest benefit. The fire has been beneficial to the land, helping restore the ecosystem by clearing up dead vegetation and downed trees from beetle kill as well as promoting aspen restoration. The fire is currently 800 acres and 60% contained.
Forest managers have issued an area closure order that includes only the portion of Lake Fork Campground nearest the fire as well as the trails and roads that lead into and out of that portion of the campground and fire. Millers Flat Road and the rest of the large camping sites in the campground not near the fire are open. With firefighting aircraft now in use, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire, this prohibits drones and personal aircraft being used over the fire area.
Firefighting helicopters have been used to drop water on the hotspots throughout the fire, and have been successful in preventing fire growth. The fire has had rain on it every afternoon since Tuesday that also has aided in firefighting efforts. Additional precipitation is predicted for the fire area over the weekend and some into next week, which will continue to help with containment efforts.
Fire managers intend on 100% containment around the perimeter of the fire. Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 31 as the fire burns internally. Once full containment is reached, firefighters will continue to patrol the area, holding and securing the fireline until the fire is completely out.
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.
Although there are no fire restrictions at this time, visitors are asked to use caution when building fires. 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!