| Sunflowers add splashes of color not only in the valley, but in the mountains surrounding Carbon County. The Manti-LaSal National Forest has lifted wildfire closure orders on lightning ignited blazes near Scofield and Joes Valley. The agency reminded residents to remain fire cautious, especially during the hunting season. |
The Price Manti-LaSal National Forest office has lifted wildfire closure orders on the White Knoll and Beans Ridge areas.
Located three miles west of Scofield Reservoir, the Bean Ridge blaze had burned approximately 83 acres when the federal agency lifted the closures.
The White Knoll blaze in the Seely Creek drainage had consumed approximately 1,304 acres three miles west of Joes Valley Reservoir.
The lightning caused blazes are being controlled to accomplish the resource objectives outlined in the Manti-LaSal’s fire management plan, pointed out the Price office.
The plan allows naturally ignited wildfires to burn within designated areas under specific management guidelines. Under the established conditions, a wildfire is permitted to play its natural role on the landscape, noted the federal agency.
Fire activity decreased significantly in the areas due to recent moisture and higher humidity. Heat remained on portions of the fire areas.
The heat, coupled with a drying trend in the weather, could result in the fires becoming active, explained the Price office.
Fire activity and smoke are generally greatest during the late afternoons when temperatures are the highest and humidity is lowest. The wildfires are regularly monitored by representatives of the federal agency.
Forest managers review the progress of blazes and weather forecasts to determine if suppression action is necessary to protect life and property, confirmed the federal agency.
Naturally caused wildfires are utilized for a variety of resource benefits, including the maintenance of a healthy forest, rangelands and wetlands and to support ecosystems diversity.
Wildfires may increase the potential for localized soil erosion. But fire use areas can reduce the potential for major debris flows, mud slides and suppression costs associated with large-scale blazes, added the Price office.
Forest managers reminded Carbon and Emery County residents to remain fire conscious while recreating on the Manti-LaSal National Forest, especially during the upcoming hunting season.