CEDAR CITY – Fire crews have been able to contain the Hicks Creek Fire by 37 percent thanks to two days of unexpected calm weather.
The forecast of windy weather Tuesday and Wednesday never came to fruition allowing fire crews to make significant progress on the northern portion of the fire, according to a news release issued by Color Country Interagency,
“With this area of the fire wrapped, (Cedar Highlands) residents to the north can sleep easier at night knowing the threat posed to them is subsiding,” the news release stated.
Fire crews took advantage of the favorable weather conditions by sending 300 firefighters, boots on the ground, for a preliminary sweep around major portions of the fires perimeter to get ahead on the hot spots before they had an opportunity to flare up again.
The lack of smoke Wednesday morning was confirmation of the work fire crews put in Tuesday and the fact that the fire only grew seven acres since the last report, the news release stated.
In addition, the cool and calm weather throughout the night also helped to further quell the strength of the fire.
Temperatures are expected to stay relatively low which will assist in the suppression efforts. Hotshot crews, engines, helicopters and retardant drops will continue to hit the Hicks Creek Fire.
Authorities have scheduled a public meeting to discuss the fire and answer questions Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Cedar City Stake Center, 155 E. 400 South.
Roads above Shirts Canyon, also known as Shurtz Canyon, remain closed as well as Southern View mountain bike trailhead. However, fire crews will allow bikers access to the path as long as they park a distance away from the entrance.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire for full suppression. Many of the aircraft and resources fighting the fire came from California.
Resources from Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Cedar City Fire Department and Iron County Sheriff’s Office have all assisted on scene at the Hicks Creek Fire.
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