Francis firefighting efforts helped by weather

Francis Fire. Photo: Utah Fire Info

FRUIT HEIGHTS, Utah, Sept. 18, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Officials from the U.S. Forest Service say cooler temperatures and rain have helped in efforts to fight the Francis Fire, on the mountain above Fruit Heights, in Davis County.

“The Francis Fire received rain yesterday which slowed fire behavior significantly,” says a statement issued Wednesday by the U.S. Forest Service, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

“Fire activity was limited to internal burning in areas already within the 365 acres fire perimeter.”

Crews and aircraft were able to establish a 20% containment, primarily on the western edge of the wildfire, closest to the homes in Fruit Heights, the statement says.

“Today’s work will be focused on connecting containment line on the western edge to the line being built on the north. Once the two segments are connected, the percentage of containment is expected to increase significantly.”

About 155 personnel are currently assigned to the incident, the statement says.

The burned area emergency response team will be in the area Wednesday to assess and prevent damage that may result from erosion and runoff resulting from the fire.

“Their efforts will be aimed at the immediate risk, while longer term rehabilitation will be undertaken in cooperation with local emergency managers.”

Public access to fire areas and the surrounding trails is prohibited, the statement says.

“Intrusions into the closed area distracts personnel from fire suppression duties.”

Areas closed are:

  • The Bair Canyon Trail, aka Forest Trail 613
  • Adams Canyon Trail, FT 614
  • Wahsatch Shooters Gun Range,
  • The Bonneville Shoreline Trail from Bair Canyon to Adams Canyon

Gephardt Daily will share new information as it becomes available.

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