Peavine Canyon Fire growing slowly
CONTACT: Heather McLean at 435-260-2871 or the Moab/Monticello Ranger district at 435-259-7155.
BLANDING, Utah — July 20, 2019 — Hotshot crews and engines have arrived to help with suppression of the Peavine Canyon fire in the Dark Canyon Wilderness of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, 45 miles west of Monticello, UT. The fire remains near 90 acres in size and is creeping and backing through low brush with some torching of trees. Currently 130 people are assigned to the fire. A Type 3 organization has taken over management of the fire as of this morning, with Troy Suwyn as incident commander.
Resources currently on scene:
- 2 Type I hotshot crews 1 Type 3 helicopter
- 2 Type II IA crews 1 Type 3 engine
- 5 Type 4 engines 2 Type 6 engines
The incident command is using several different
tactics to suppress this fire. Some areas of the fire will be actively
suppressed when they reach a certain point. Other areas, burning in more
inaccessible terrain, will burn to natural barriers such as rocks and
ridges.
The fire is helping to restore natural balance to the forest by removing some of the thick vegetation and allowing for new growth. Firefighter safety is always a primary concern, and some parts of the fire do not allow for firefighter safety zones, where firefighters would survive a burn-over. The district has a plan in place for containing and controlling this type of fire.
An area closure is in effect for Forest Trail 023 Brushy Knoll and Forest Trail 157 Peavine Canyon as well as Dry Mesa Spur Road 55391. Fire management asks that forest users avoid the fire area for safety reasons during firefighting operations.
The public is warned to be cautious 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 4. For more information, call Heather McLean at 435-260-2871 or the Moab/Monticello Ranger district at 435-259-7155.
