Left Fork Fire
Incident Update
STATUS | Start Date: May 9, 2022 Start Time: 1300 hrs Incident Type: Wildland Fire Cause: Under Investigation - Human Location: Dixie National Forest, 10 miles SW of Bryce Canyon City in the Kanab Creek drainage Size: 325+ acres (estimated) Containment: 10% Expected Containment: Unknown Injuries: 0 Structures Threatened: 0 Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0 RESOURCES | Engines: 4 Water Tenders: 1 Crews: 2 Helicopters: Grounded SEATs: Grounded LATs: Grounded Cooperating Agencies: USDA Forest Service, DOI Bureau of Land Management, State of Utah Department of Natural Resources – Division of Fire, Forestry and State Lands, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. SITUATION | Current Situation: Difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions are hampering firefighting efforts. Red Flag conditions with relative humidity in the single digits and southwest winds averaging 25 mph and gusts of 40 to 55 mph have been reported by a nearby weather station. This fire is burning mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, slash piles and heavy dead and down woody material. Wind conditions have grounded aviation support. Firefighter safety is of paramount concern for fire managers. Fire weakened standing trees and dead snags pose an imminent threat of falling and striking firefighters. Extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread with crowing and spotting up to ½ mile ahead of the main fire has been observed. A Color Country Type 3 Incident Management Team has been mobilized. Sixty four firefighters are currently staffing the fire. Additional resources have been ordered and are enroute. Evacuations: None Road Closures: Kanab Creek Road system | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |