SPANISH FORK, Utah, Aug. 24, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The lightning-caused Coal Hollow Fire, about 15 miles southeast of Spanish Fork, is now 80 percent contained, officials said Friday.
The size of the fire is 29,912 acres, according to the latest report. The past two days of rain helped cool things down for firefighters, but sent mud and debris flowing across the fire-scarred area.
A new wildfire was seen Friday afternoon on Bald Mountain northeast of the Mona Pole Road in the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area.
According to information from Payson Fire Rescue late Friday night, the Bald Mountain Fire is being monitored and will be suppressed in any areas where people, private property or sensitive resources could be threatened.
“The fire is being allowed to play its natural role in designated wilderness,” Payson Fire Rescue said in a post on Facebook.
“Smoke and flames will be visible from the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway and likely from Interstate 15 while the fire burns,” the post continues.
“The public is asked to refrain from calling 911 to report the fire or smoke.”
Officials said the Bald Mountain Fire was probably sparked by lightning that moved through the area Thursday night.
Allowing the fire to burn in designated areas will reduce the fuel load of dead timber and help prevent large fires in the future, the post says.
