1000-acre fire on Utah Hill triggered by lightning

Image by Corey McNeil, St. George News

IVINS – Lightning sparked a fire near Utah Hill west of Ivins Saturday that has grown to 1,000 acres.

Called the West Mountain Fire, it was reported to Color County Interagency Fire Management Dispatch at 7:52 p.m. on Aug. 4.

Bill Roach, Color County Interagency manager, said multiple resources including aircraft were involved in combating the fire. So far no level of containment has been reported.

Roach also said no structures were threatened by the fire. However, that could change if the fire proceeds up Utah Hill where several communication towers are located.

West Mountain Fire near Utah Hill, overlooking Santa Clara from 1575 & Tuweap. Ivins, Utah, Aug. 5, 2012 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News

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Copyright 2012 St. George News.

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2 Comments

  • Mike H August 6, 2012 at 8:05 am

    Not sure if it is still the case, but they closed Gunlock Reservoir yesterday for the aircraft to fill with water if necessary. Total downer, a lot of disappointed boaters to be sure. I haven’t been able to locate a number one can call to see if they are open for boating yet.

    • Avatar photo Joyce Kuzmanic August 6, 2012 at 8:30 am

      Yes, Mike; the reservoir was and still is (Aug. 6) closed to boaters at the request of the state fire marshal. It’s a safety measure when air support is drawing water for fighting fires. We are told it’s a spur of the moment occurrence; which makes sense as these incidents are not foreseeable. There is not a date set for lifting of the closure.
      Although we did not locate a website with postings of closures, Gunlock is a state park and the office to call with questions is telephone 435-680-0715.

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