Riggs fire causes closures in Bryce Canyon and Dixie National Forest
The Riggs fire has caused trail closures in Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon National Park but is burning in a manner is beneficial to the ecosystem.
The Riggs fire continues to grow in size on lands administered by the Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Kanab Field Office BLM.
Currently as of GPS flight by helicopter Sept. 10, the fire was reported to be 306 acres. The lands this fire is now burning are managed by Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest, and the BLM Kanab field office. This fire continues to burn in a moderate manner that is clearing old, dead, woody biomass from the forest floor yet retaining many of the large-diameter trees.
A new fire has also started about 1.5 miles north of the Riggs fire and has been named the Lonely fire. The Lonely fire was also started by lightning and is burning in a moderate manner that is beneficial to the fire dependent ecosystem. The Lonely fire is 2 acres in size and is also being managed under the same command as the Riggs fire.
Currently, both fires are in very remote areas with very poor access and no safety zones for fire fighters. After burn activity Sept. 11, the fire has burned into an area where firefighters can now safely begin suppression operations on the fire, and more firefighting resources have now been ordered.
“Firefighter and public safety are always our No. 1 priority when fighting fires, and we will do everything we can to be successful especially limiting the exposure to our fire fighters in rugged areas with few to no safety zones, very poor access, and limited aircraft to support a full suppression operation.” said Angie Bullets, Dixie National Forest supervisor.
Currently, there are approximately 12 personnel managing the Riggs and Lonely fires. A type 3 Incident Commander will now take command of the fire. One 20-person handcrew, two fire engines, one public information officer, and one helicopter have been ordered. There are two trail closures beginning at the Grandview Trail from the Willis Creek junction to Lower Podunk on the Dixie National Forest. At Bryce Canyon National Park, the Riggs Spring Loop Trail has been closed. These trails are temporarily closed for safety and welfare of the public.
For more information on fires in Utah, visit utahfireinfo.gov.
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