ST. GEORGE —The Left Fork Fire is now 100% contained, according to fire officials.
The fire has burned a total of 4,254 acres since May 9, however there are still current hazards in place as fire crews continue to put out hot spots.
A type three Incident Management Team took command this morning and Color Country team two will manage the remaining crews and equipment, according to a Twitter post by Utah Fire Info at 8:53 this morning.
According to the fact sheet released by Color Country Interagency, the Left Fork wildfire started on May 9 in Dixie National Forest, just 10 miles southwest of Bryce Canyon City near Kanab Creek. The fire burned a total of 4,254 acres and has been listed as human-caused with one injury reported.
It is a common misconception that 100% containment means the fire is completely extinguished. This refers to only the perimeter of the fire when fire managers feel confident the fire will not progress further. The report stated that while the wildfire is now contained, there is still active fire in the area, with firefighters currently working to suppress hot spots. There may be weakened trees falling and other hazards that may pose a danger to the public. The forest remains closed until all safety concerns are mitigated. To see the forest closure map of the Kanab Creek area, click here.
Cooperating agencies for the fire included the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, State of Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, Bryce and Zion National Park, along with the Garfield and Kane County Sheriff’s Office, utilizing nine fire engines, two helicopters, one excavator, five water tenders and a total of 416 fire personnel during the nearly two-month-long wildfire.
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