KANE COUNTY, Utah, June 21, 2022 (Gephardt Daily) — Kane County officials recommended evacuation of mountain homes Tuesday as the Left Fork Fire burning in southern Utah grew to more than 3,000 acres.
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office announced the evacuation of the Bryce Woodlands Estates on its Facebook page. Fire officials say wind and fire behavior have increased, “and the fire has crossed the fire lines on the southwest corner.”
The evacuation is recommended “as a precaution for both firefighter and public safety if the fire continues to progress in that direction,” according to the Facebook post.
The Kane County fire warden and sheriff’s deputies were helping residents in the area evacuate Tuesday afternoon, the post states. The sheriff’s office is asking the public to avoid the area.
State fire officials said the Left Fork Fire has grown by 401 acres since Monday, with 3,009 acres burned as of Tuesday morning. The human-caused wildfire is burning in the Dixie National Forest about 10 miles southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park. It remains just just 5% contained.
“Yesterday’s favorable conditions and decreased wind provided fire managers an opportunity to assess and map the fire more accurately,” says a statement from Utah Interagency Fire, shared in a Utah Fire Info tweet.
“Minimal growth was observed throughout the operational period. More crews are on scene today.”
A fact sheet released by Utah Interagency Fire and shared by Utah Fire Info on Tuesday morning says favorable weather and decreased winds allowed for more accurate mapping.
“The steep, rugged terrain is not feasible for firefighters to attack the fire directly in many areas,” it says. “Air attacks will continue to be heavily utilized to support crews on the ground as conditions permit. Dozers are working to create fuel breaks on areas on fire where appropriate, in conduction with handline and retardant drops.
“With full suppression tactics, fire managers intent to utilize as many natural barriers as possible to gain containment on this fire.”
A dozen fire engines are on site, as are seven crews and six helicopters, the fact sheet says. See the full details released and and photos below.
