UPDATE 7 p.m. July 16 – Fire size is confirmed at 106 acres, with 80 percent containment at this time. Kelly Washburn, Fire Information Officer and urban and Community Forester with Foorestry, Fire and State Lands, said that full containment is delayed due to red flag conditions, full containment is now estimated for July 17. She said that structure damage was only slight to a travel trailer, confirms that the fire is a result of human cause, cutting of metal.
UPDATE 4:41 p.m. July 15 -David Eaker, Fire Spokesperson for Color Country Interagency Fire Management, said fire responders provided current status of this fire, previously identified as within Zion National Park. It is not; Eaker clarifies “it’s location is between Dalton Wash Road and the Kolob Road, maybe five to six miles north of the town of Virgin.” He says it is not near or expected to reach the area of the Kolob reservoir.
CCIFM has named this fire the Lava Butte Fire.
Eaker advises that this fire has grown to 106 acres, it is now 30 percent contained, with full containment prospective sometime on July 16.
At this point there are no public road closures. The fire location is largely on private lands, possibly reaching a little bit into BLM land; exact assessment of the area is pending.
Acre confirms that no structures or persons are currently threatened, no evacuations ordered or expected.
“Fire investigators believe the fire is caused by people cutting metal.”
Acre emphasizes and requests public attention, “This is around the 20th fire in this county (Washington County) this year which has been caused by cutting or grinding of metal! The conditions are so dry.”
UPDATE 3:15 PM July 15 – Pete Kuhlmann, Washington County Emergency Services Director, advised that there are currently about 50 acres burning off the Kolob Road near Dalton Wash.
Multiple agencies are involved in fighting the fire, including but not limited to the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Managment, Color Country, Fire Departments of Hurricane, Leeds, Rockville, Springdale and Hildale, Bureau of Indian Affairs.
It is an interagency effort, says Kuhlman, and they are reporting progress although there is no containment at this time.
Kuhlman has no information indicating that persons or property are presently threatened, or that any evacuations have been ordered.
Some initial road closures were instituted, whether or not they remain in place at this time, Kuhlman does not know.
Kuhlman said, “Investigation as to the cause of the fire is ongoing but it appears to be started by a contractor using torches or heat generating equipment; it is human caused.”
ZION NATIONAL PARK – A fire is burning with a fury near Kolob Road up and towards the Kolob Reservoir.
Color Country Interagency Fire Management said fire responders are in full motion addressing the fire. Details to follow as ascertained.
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copyright St. George News 2011
