Editor’s note • The Salt Lake Tribune is providing free access to wildfire stories. Sign up for our Top Stories newsletter, sent to your inbox every morning. To support journalism like this, please donate or become a subscriber.
The Left Fork Fire raging outside Bryce Canyon National Park has now burned about 4,631 acres in Dixie National Forest as of Thursday and remains at only 5% containment, according to Utah Wildfire Info.
The blaze stemmed from an April prescribed burn site that reignited on May 9, but was believed to have been contained after it burned about 100 acres. The fire sparked up yet again on June 18 when strong winds fanned embers into flames.
So far no injuries have been reported, but the blaze threatens about 50 structures. An evacuation order remains in place at the Bryce Woodland Estates community, located southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park off Highway 89, after it was recommended Tuesday evening.
Officials said in a news release that Wednesday’s weather conditions allowed firefighters to make progress combating the blaze. Fire crews have held the northern and southern perimeters of the fire, but its east side is creeping toward the “105 road” and is holding there so far, officials said.
The Kanab Creek Road System is closed due to firefighting efforts. These closures include National Forest System Lands lands bounded by Forest Road 108 to Forest Road 185, west of the Bryce Canyon park boundary continuing south along Forest Road 242 and continuing southwest to Forest Road 109.
Backcountry camping is temporarily closed in Bryce Canyon National Park along the Riggs Spring Loop, including Yovimpa Pass, Riggs Spring and Corral Hollow. The Riggs Spring Loop remains open for day hiking.
