ST. GEORGE – Containment of the 943-acre Oak Grove Fire reached 70 percent containment Tuesday thanks to significant rainfall over the past few days and continued fire suppression efforts.
Approximately 90 firefighters will be released from the Oak Grove Fire Tuesday as the fire activity continues to diminish, according to a press released from the U.S. Forest Service. Among those being demobilized are three interagency hotshot crews and one Type 2 initial attack crew.
“Fire behavior is very minimal with some interior smoldering and light smoke remaining,” Incident Commander Eric Eastep said. “Approximately 40 firefighters remain on the fire to finish securing the fire perimeter, work on rehabilitation efforts and to secure the Oak Grove campground if any flames rekindle.”
In addition to ground fire crews, various means of air support were also used to suppress the Oak Grove Fire.
The closure order remains in effect for Oak Grove Road No. 032 to Oak Grove campground. The forest closure order for the Oak Grove road will continue until the fire danger, suppression and rehabilitation operations subside.
All other Forest Service roads have been reopened.
The Type 3 Incident Management Team will transition fire management back to the Pine Valley Ranger District on Wednesday.
The Oak Grove Fire was ignited Sept. 8 by lightning and originated 3 miles southwest of the Oak Grove campground in the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness of Dixie National Forest.
Fire personnel are grateful for the support shown by communities, partners and the public in resource support, donations of food and, most importantly, the kind words of encouragement and appreciation, according to the press release.
The Forest Service anticipates this to be the last update on the Oak Grove Fire unless there are significant changes in fire activity.
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