Peavine Fire Burning in Abajo Mountains
Contact: Heather McLean at 435-260-2871 or the Moab/Monticello Ranger district at 435-259-7155.
Conditions are drying in the Abajo Mountains, and on July 16th, a person working in the forest reported smoke in the Dark Canyon Wilderness area near Brushy Knoll. The fire is currently estimated at 15 acres in size and is located approximately 45 miles west of Monticello, UT. It is burning in subalpine fir, ponderosa pine and Gambel oak on a northeast facing slope in Peavine Canyon. Fire behavior has been mainly single and group torching of trees and slow movement in ground fuel.
Currently, seven people are assigned to the fire and are monitoring fire progress. The incident commander is Evan Batson, and more fire resources are on order.
An area closure is pending for Forest Trail 023 Brushy Knoll and Forest Trail 157 Peavine Canyon as well as Dry Mesa Spur Road 5391.
Management of the fire will include indirect firefighting methods due to steep and rocky terrain. Firefighter safety is always a primary concern. Moab/Monticello District Ranger Michael Diem says, “We are using a containment strategy to meet resource objectives and provide for firefighter safety. Weather conditions are right, and since high-value areas are not threatened, fire behavior allows for using the most appropriate action.” The district has a plan in place for containing and controlling this type of fire.
Fire management asks that forest users avoid the fire area for safety reasons during firefighting operations.
Please be careful in lower elevations as drying grass is creating a fire hazard, particularly along roads and highways. Moab Interagency Fire Center has had eight incidents reported since July 4th. For more information, call Heather McLean at 435-260-2871 or the Moab/Monticello Ranger district at 435-259-7155.
