BEAVER — The Little Twist wildfire has reached 10% containment due to the efforts of regional fire crews.
According to a Central Utah Fire Interagency media update, aerial resources continue to be utilized to minimize fire spread in remote and inaccessible areas.
“All available strategies and tactics are being implemented as we move towards increased containment of the fire while prioritizing safety and efficiency,” Little Twist Public Information Officer Kylee Stott said. “The fire saw minimal growth yesterday, with most burning occurring in the late afternoon and evening. Heavy helicopters were used on the north side of the fire to keep things cool along existing handlines, allowing crews to continue their work on fireline implementation and improvements.”
Weather temperatures are predicted to climb into the weekend, with low relative humidity and increasing winds expected before the upcoming thunderstorms. Forecasters are warning that gusts up to 30 mph may significantly impact fire growth, the media update continued. The potential for precipitation on the fire is about 50%.
Currently, fire crews are improving critical firelines on the north and east perimeters of fire, Stott said. Firefighters on the south and southwest perimeters are continuing their work to improve roads and trails to be used as indirect lines.
The area closure order will remain in place to provide safety for both firefighters and the public. Smoke will continue to be visible for several weeks from surrounding areas including I-15, I- 70, Hwy-89 and Hwy-20.
The fire began as a prescribed burn in the Fishlake National Forest – Beaver Ranger District. The fire was classified as a wildfire out of precaution and remains within the prescribed burn areas in remote, steep rugged terrain areas.
Stott estimates the wildfire has consumed approximately 2,316 acres as of Thursday morning. The wildfire, located four miles southeast of Beaver, is currently listed as 10% contained with 262 crew members working the scene.
Little Reservoir, Tushar Lakeside and Kents Lake Campgrounds remain open to the public for camping, Stott noted. For the safety of both the public and firefighters, authorities are asking residents to avoid accessing Forest Road #137 (Kents Lake Road) past Upper Kents Lake, Anderson Meadow, Lebaron Campgrounds and surrounding recreation sites near the South Creek area.
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