Manti-La Sal National Forest Press Release
HUNTINGTON, Utah, April 22 — Fire crews are working to suppress a 90-acre blaze burning in steep terrain about one mile southwest of the Crandall Canyon Mine and about 15 miles northwest of Huntington, Utah.
The fire is believed to have started over a week ago by a warming fire used by recreationists in the area. It was not reported until 2 p.m. Friday, April 20, when crews responded immediately.
There are two crews working on the fire and a helicopter making water drops. The fire is burning in last year’s dry grass, under story litter and mixed conifer forest. There is no new green vegetation on the forest to slow the fire, so dry grass is carrying the flames. The blaze is edging to the northeast and slowly up the slope.
Duty Officer Troy Suwyn of the Manti-La Sal National Forest said the goal is to contain the fire in the next 48 hours and have it fully controlled by the end of the week.
There are no active workings at the Crandall Canyon Mine and no personnel at the mine. It is owned by Utah American Energy.
Good weather and various hunting seasons are bringing people to the forest early this year. The Forest Service cautions forest visitors to build fires in a fire ring or clear away all vegetation down to mineral earth before starting a fire. Before leaving the fire, be sure it is dead out, and never leave a fire unattended. Dry conditions make these warnings even more urgent this spring when there is so much dry vegetation from last year’s growth and new green vegetation has not yet emerged.