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The Left Fork Fire raging outside Bryce Canyon National Park has now burned about 4,200 acres in Dixie National Forest as of Friday — and remains only 5% contained, according to Utah Wildfire Info.
The wildfire was previously measured at over 4,600 acres, but more accurate mapping showed a decreased acreage. So far no injuries have been reported, but the blaze threatens about 50 structures and one nearby community has been evacuated.
Bryce Woodlands Estates is located southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park off Highway 89, and houses approximately 20 long-term residents, an official said. Connor Ringwood’s family own a cabin in the area that was evacuated, though the family permanently resides in Ivins.
When the evacuation order was announced on Tuesday, the Ringwoods weren’t at the cabin. They drove up on Wednesday to pack up important personal items from the land they’ve owned for 20 years.
“It’s full of memories, just getting all of our stuff out — the stuff isn’t really what matters, it’s the land itself,” Ringwood said, noting that they did experience a wildfire threat last year at another property, but “never this close.”
Ringwood said getting accurate information about the blaze has been difficult, especially sifting through conflicting information on social media. But during their Wednesday trip to the cabin. the fire seemed “a lot more calm,” and he has hope the quarter inch of rain that fell overnight will help firefighting efforts.
“We did see lots of heavy smoke and it was raining ash on us,” Ringwood said. “It’s just honestly a sad situation. There’s nothing we can do about it, just affects everyone in our lives because lots of our friends have land up there .... It might be the last time that we see it all beautiful like this with all the trees.”
Utah Interagency Fire spokesperson Sierra Hellstrom said officials are having discussions with the local sheriff to get a timeframe on when the evacuations may be lifted. Crews don’t anticipate any major growth of the blaze if the area’s good weather continues.
“We don’t want to lift an evacuation to have to re-evacuate anyone for any reason,” Hellstrom said. “The fire did receive precipitation last night, which will help, and it’s a lot cooler today, less winds... For the next few days we’re going to continue to see similar weather, so it’s really going to help the firefighters be able to make progress.”
The Kanab Creek Road System remains 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 also 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.
