BEAVER, Utah, June 16, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — State wildfire officials say more accurate mapping of the Little Twist Fire burning about 4 miles southeast of Beaver shows it reached 2,250 acres Sunday.
The wildfire started as part of the Beaver Ranger District’s prescribed burn plan, which successfully burned 4,724 acres over several weeks, according to the Central Utah Interagency Fire Organization. The district plans to burn 3,000-5,000 acres each year.
“Hot, dry, and windy weather resulted in the fire burning beyond the intended limits for this spring,” the regional fire agency said in a news release.
Fire officials made the decision Thursday to transition the active portion of the prescribed burn to a wildfire, allowing the U.S. Forest Service to make use of additional resources from cooperating agencies, according to the news release.
“We appreciate the rapid response of our partners to provide needed assistance,” the release says.
The fire remained 0% contained Sunday.
“The [Little Twist Fire] saw little growth today,” Utah Fire Info stated Sunday evening. “Aerial resources were utilized to minimize fire behavior in areas of concern. Firefighters are continuing to identify and construct containment lines, while working in high temperatures and steep, rugged terrain.”
The Little Twist Fire was “moderately active through [Saturday] afternoon and into the evening,” state wildfire officials said. “Fire behavior is expected to be very active with low humidities and with strong gusty winds expected through Monday.”
“There is an area closure order in place to provide safety for both firefighters and public,” the release says.
Smoke likely will continue to be visible for several weeks from the surrounding areas, including Interstate 15, I-70, U.S. 89 and state Route 20, fire officials said.
Closures in the area remain in place, though Little Reservoir, Tushar Lakeside and Kents Lake campgrounds remain open to the public for camping and day use.
