BEAVER — Firefighters at the scene of a fire burning approximately four miles south of Beaver reported 25% containment of the wildfire Sunday morning.
The suppression of the fire started months ago as a prescribed burn is currently under Red Flag Warning weather conditions until Monday, Little Twist Fire Public Information Officer Kylee Stott said in a media update.
“Yesterday, due to hot, dry and windy conditions, active fire in the Little Twist Drainage made natural short uphill runs in heavy dead and down timber,” Stott said. “Despite very active fire behavior, firefighters and aerial resources were able to work simultaneously to hold the fire within the existing perimeter.”
The weather eliminated the day’s planned operations for hand or aerial ignition on June 29, which were placed on hold until weather conditions are more favorable to the mission.
Stott noted increased smoke was visible to the public from roads, communities and valleys around the Tushar Mountains until mid-evening Saturday, when it quickly dissipated.
“On Sunday, firefighters will continue to hold and patrol firelines on the north and west sides of the fire, ensuring no spot fires escape the perimeter, ” Stott said. “Crews are working in Rocky Canyon off of South Creek Road, using heavy equipment to construct and improve the indirect line.”
A Red Flag Warning for hot, windy conditions has been issued for the Southern Utah region until Monday at approximately 9 p.m.
National Weather Service forecasters predict the weekend drying trend will continue, with temperatures in the high 80’s and wind gusts expected up to 30 mph near the area of the fire in the Fishlake National Forest’s Beaver Ranger District.
An area closure order will remain in place to provide safety for both firefighters and the public. Smoke will continue to be visible for several weeks from surrounding areas including I-15, I-70, Hwy-89 and Hwy-20.
The wildfire has consumed an estimated 2,600 acres of forest in steep, rugged areas with no structures reported as being in danger.
Currently, 254 fire personnel are on scene fighting the Little Twist wildfire, Stott said.
Central Utah Interagency Fire Organization officials said that Little Reservoir, Tushar Lakeside and Kents Lake Campgrounds remain open to the public for camping and recreational day-use activities.
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