Officials ask public to avoid 100-acre Left Fork fire in Dixie National Forest

Aerial view of the Left Fork fire, burning in the Dixie National Forest in Kane County, May 9, 2022 | Photo courtesy of Bureau of Land Management, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The public is being asked to avoid a section of the Dixie National Forest as a result of a human-caused wildfire.

Blue ranger station icon indicates the approximate site of Left Fork fire, May 9, 2022 | map courtesy of recreation.gov, St. George News

Fire managers from the Dixie National Forest’s Powell Ranger District reported the Left Fork fire at 2:17  p.m. Monday, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service.

The fire size is estimated at 100 acres and is burning in timber, litter, understory and logging debris 3.2 miles west of the Podunk Guard Station, the news release said. 

Wildland fire crews continued to work Wednesday to construct and improve the fire perimeter handling, the release said. Accessibility for the firefighters is challenging due to limited road access and steep terrain along with high winds. Wildland fire managers are watching the weather closely to ensure firefighter safety as a Wind Advisory and Red Flag fire weather warning are both in effect from noon-9 p.m., the news release said.

The news release also said two Type 1 Helicopters are involved in the firefighting operations, along with five hand crews, seven engines and two water tenders The BLM also reported Wednesday the fire is at 0% containment.

According to recreation.gov:

“Podunk Guard Station is located next to the East Fork Sevier River, in the Dixie National Forest in southern Utah. The cabin was constructed in 1928 and has been used by generations of Forest Service employees. Guests enjoy exploring local trails on foot, horseback, mountain bike and off-road vehicle. The river offers fishing and swimming opportunities.”

Click here to access the latest on the Left Fork Fire.

Update May 12, 4:15 p.m. Corrects news release source to U.S. Forest Service; omits closed status of guard station area.

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