Color Country Interagency Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2018
Media Contacts: Angie Bullets 435-865-3701
Riggs Fire update
Kane County Utah- The Riggs fire continues to grow in size on lands administered by the Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Kanab Field Office BLM.
Currently as of GPS flight by helicopter on 9/10/18 the fire was reported to be 306 acres. The lands this fire is now burning on are managed by Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest, and BLM Kanab field office. This fire continues to burn in a moderate manner that is clearing old dead and decadent woody biomass from the forest floor yet retaining many of the large diameter trees.
A new fire has also started about 1.5 miles north of the Riggs fire and has been named the Lonely fire. The Lonely fire was also started by lightning and is burning in a moderate manner that is beneficial to the fire dependent ecosystem. The Lonely fire is 2 acres in size and is also being managed under the same command as the Riggs fire.
Currently both these fires are in very remote areas with very poor access and no safety zones for fire fighters. After yesterday’s burn activity the fire has burned into an area where firefighters can now safely start some suppression operations on the fire and more firefighting resources have now been ordered.
“Firefighter and public safety are always our number one priority when fighting fires and we will do everything we can to be successful especially limiting the exposure to our fire fighters in rugged areas with few to no safety zones, very poor access, and limited aircraft to support a full suppression operation.” said Angie Bullets Dixie National Forest Supervisor.
Currently there are approximately 12 personnel managing the Riggs and Lonely fires. A type 3 Incident Commander will now take command of the fire. 1 twenty person handcrew, 2 fire engines, 1 public information officer, and 1 helicopter have been ordered. There are two trail closures beginning at the Grandview Trail from the Willis Creek junction to Lower Podunk on the Dixie National Forest. On Bryce Canyon National Park the Riggs Spring Loop Trail has been closed. These trails are temporarily closed for safety and welfare of the public.
For more information on fires in Utah visit utahfireinfo.gov