ST. GEORGE — Widespread rainfall increased containment of the Left Fork Fire, prompting officials to lift the evacuation recommendations issued last week.
The Left Fork Fire, located about 10 miles from Bryce Canyon City, has burned approximately 4,254 acres and is 50% contained. Fire managers estimated full containment by Aug. 1, the Incident Information System website reported Tuesday.
The fire has consumed primarily timber, fire-weakened trees, logging slash and brush. Smoldering of stump holes and heavy fuels are expected to continue for the next 72 hours, after which, the website states that interior smoldering and single-tree torching are possible.
Evacuation recommendations were lifted for Bryce Woodlands Estates Saturday, according to a Facebook post by Kane County Emergency Services. The road remained under a soft closure and was no longer blocked or staffed by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. The new recommendation was issued by the Incident Management Team based on current fire behavior and predicted weather conditions.
Fire managers stressed that the wildfire remains active and residents should continue following updates and staying informed of the situation. Additionally, they encouraged residents to sign up for the county’s Emergency Notification System.
The Structure Assessment Team has continued to cooperate with local fire agencies to assess the area’s structures for “defensible space and safety,” the Facebook post states, adding, “This will help with the current fire and future potential incidents in a community that is highly susceptible to wildland fire.
Widespread rainfall on Monday had a greater impact on fire suppression than the more sporadic storms in the area over the last few days by minimizing heat sources, according to the post. However, rain can create new safety concerns with slick roads and slippery conditions, leading to falls and injuries.
“Fire Managers are being proactive with the predicted rain to assure firefighters remain safe in these difficult conditions,” the update states. “Crews may be pulled off the line if conditions necessitate.”
Humidity was reportedly decreasing on Tuesday with higher expected temperatures, which fire managers said could provide an opportunity for hot spots to heat up, allowing crews to more easily detect and extinguish them.
No injuries have been reported. And no structures have been damaged, although 134 are threatened, the update states.
According to the Incident Information System 27 fire engines, 14 water tenders, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers and 737 personnel were working to suppress the fire Tuesday.
Additionally, fire managers began incorporating unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to increase fire suppression efficiency, Utah Fire Info reported in a Facebook post on Monday. Piloted remotely, the drones will assist firefighters with fire detection and identifying hot spots both within and outside the fire’s perimeter by using infrared thermal technology to track and map fire patterns.
Using drone technology, firefighters can observe otherwise difficult or inaccessible areas, reducing the number of crew members needed for scouting who can then assist with other duties, Utah Fire Info reported.
The U.S. Forest Service issued expanded closure orders June 20, prohibiting individuals from accessing national forest lands as illustrated on the provided map.
The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, State of Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Garfield and Kane County Sheriff’s Offices are currently working to suppress the fire.
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