WASHINGTON COUNTY — Three wildfires partly in Washington County but mostly in adjacent Lincoln County, Nevada, continue to blaze. The Greek Peak Fire has burned about 820 acres of trees and brush about 15 miles southwest of Enterprise, the 1,300-acre Middle Ridge Fire has closed the Beaver Dam State Park and the 1,500-acre Cottonwood Fire has threatened historic mining structures near Pioche, Nevada.
Lincoln County, Nevada fire updates
The Greek Peak Fire located about 6 miles southwest of Enterprise reservoir is zero percent contained, according to Color Country Interagency Fire Management center. The Greek Peak Fire started Wednesday night and is currently not threatening any structures or roads. The lightning-ignited fire is burning cheat grass, mixed brush, pinyon and juniper trees, as well as black brush.
The 1,300-acre Middle Ridge Fire located on the Nevada-Utah border 25 miles south-southeast of Caliente has closed Beaver Dam State Park, according to a post by Eastern Nevada Interagency Fire Management. The lightning-ignited fire was first reported the night of July 1. It is currently 40 percent contained and continues to burn mostly pinyon, juniper and sagebrush. Saturday, firefighters continued efforts to secure the southwestern and eastern flanks of the fire. Full containment is expected by Wednesday.
The 1,500-acre Cottonwood Fire located approximately 15 miles southeast of Pioche in Lincoln County, Nevada is 40 percent contained, according to a post by Eastern Nevada Interagency Fire Management. It started on July 3 and is burning in heavy pinyon, juniper and sagebrush. Saturday, firefighters continued to work toward securing the north and northeast portions of the fire. Full containment of the lightning-ignited fire is anticipated by Thursday.
You can help: Human attention means fire prevention: Tips to stop human-caused fires
Washington County – Arizona Strip fire updates
There are two other fires reported in Washington County – the Basin Fire and the Bull Mountain Fire – as well as one on the Arizona Strip – the Gulch Fire. All three fires are fairly minor in size.
The 435-acre Bull Mountain Fire, located 3 miles north of Enterprise Reservoir, as of Sunday morning, was 60 percent contained. There is currently minimal fire activity as the fire is creeping and smoldering, according to the Utah Fire Info webpage. The Bull Mountain Fire initially started by lightning on July 2.
The Basin Fire, located 8 miles north of Gunlock, was last reported at 80 acres. This fire was also lightning-caused and started on July 2. Updated containment information is currently unavailable.
The Gulch Fire, located 17 miles south of St. George was last reported on Friday as being 15 percent contained. The 340-acre fire has been creeping and smoldering but is not threatening structures. It was also started by lighting on July 4. Although there are no road closures currently in effect, fire officials are asking that those traveling along the Quail Hill BLM 1069 road proceed with caution as fire vehicles and resources are entering and exiting the roadway in the vicinity of the fire.
Management change
The Greek Peak Fire was originally being managed by the Color Country Interagency Fire Management Center out of Southern Utah. This fire has moved mostly into Nevada and as of Sunday morning is now being managed by Eastern Nevada Interagency Fire Management as part of the MGC Complex Fire. The MGC Complex comprises the Middle Ridge Fire, the Greek Peak Fire, and the Cottonwood Fire.
Public advisory
Drought conditions continue in the Color Country area, and recent regional storms have been accompanied by very little precipitation. As firefighters continue to make progress, fire officials request the public’s assistance in keeping the area clear for fire crews to work and use extra caution with the increased fire traffic in these areas. Public and firefighter safety is the first priority.
Since June 18, fire restrictions have been in place in Washington County as well as in areas of Mohave and Coconino counties in Arizona. On July 1, fire restrictions were put in place in Iron County, Kane County and areas of Garfield and Beaver counties.
You can help: Fire restrictions expanding across southwest Utah, northwest Arizona
For further information concerning the MGC complex visit Eastern Nevada Interagency Fire’s Facebook Page or Twitter account. For Washington County fire info visit Utah’s fire info webpage.
Related posts
- In the heat of things with Gulch Fire crews; STGnews Videocast, Photo Gallery
- Over 20 wildland fires blaze in Color Country; public advisories
- New wildfire blazes on Arizona Strip; 11 total fires
- Firefighters douse hillside fire near Fountain Heights
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