ST. GEORGE — Monsoon season gives as it takes — a lightning strike caused a wildfire that burned over 200 acres, while elsewhere, rainy weather helped crews contain another on the Arizona Strip at 31 acres.
The so-called Plateau Fire was discovered Saturday at approximately 5:52 p.m., according to Utah Fire Info, which initially reported the fire as being 100 acres.
Since then, approximately 238 acres have burned, said Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Jacqueline Russell. Firefighters, supported by three BLM engines, are monitoring the area for potential flare-ups. An engine from the Bureau of Indian Affairs was also at the scene on Sunday but has since been released.
It is currently 70% contained. No structures are threatened and no injuries have been reported, Russell said.
The Hat Knoll fire near Arizona’s Mount Trumbull was first discovered on Sunday at approximately 1:43 p.m. and was initially reported on Utah Fire Info as being 50 acres. It’s now fully contained at 31, BLM spokesperson Rachel Carnahan told St. George News. While the cause is unclear, it was likely natural.
“The storm did the work for us this time around,” she said. “There were concerns, of course. We had a (single-engine air tanker) that was heading out, then of course, with the lightning, that tends to change your ability to safely fight fires. But then it dropped some pretty good rain and did the work for us.”
A Type 6 fire engine, two SEATs and helitak were dispatched, Carnahan said. Aerial resources were grounded due to the storm while crews on the ground worked the perimeter.
The Meadow fire in Iron County was also caused by a lightning strike and is currently sitting at 23 acres, with 50% containment, Russell said, adding that fire crews are working along the brush fire’s edge.
While the fires were caused by natural phenomena, the BLM still encourages the public to use their “fire sense” when recreating outdoors, Russell said.
To learn more, readers can visit the Utah Fire Info website to find wildfire prevention tips and stay up-to-date on fire restrictions.
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