Brian Head Fire Destoys 37,000 Acres and Climbing

The Fire in Brian Head Utah has burned an estimated 37.000 Acres and is only 5% contained. It has destroyed at least 13 residences, and is growing much faster than anyone had anticipated due to the high heat, and winds in the area.

As of Friday afternoon over 800 fire personnel have responded to the blaze.

The fires smoke is so extensive the Zion National Park service has issued a warning to minimize outdoor activity due to air quality.

Another map of the area map from the iron county sheriffs department.

Here is the full press release issued Saturday Morning.

Brian Head Fire Morning Update June 24

Incident: Brian Head Fire Wildfire Released: 6 hrs. ago

Brian Head Fire Morning Update June 24

A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered to assist Team 4 on the Brian Head Fire. Because of the size of the fire and the complex logistics of dealing with such a large area of impact, travel, and communications, the fire will be divided operationally. Team 4 will remain in Parowan and work on the west side of the fire, while the incoming team will base in Panguitch and assume command of the east side of the fire. The location of the command post in Panguitch has not yet been established.

Another Red Flag Warning has been issued to indicate extreme weather conditions that may lead to rapid fire growth. Continued hot, dry, and windy conditions have hampered firefighting efforts throughout the week. Unprecedented fire behavior has been observed. A weaker system will pass through the area Sunday; however, southwestern winds are expected to return on Monday.

The fire has not crossed Highway 143 at Mammoth Springs yet, but fire managers are anticipating the likelihood with the continued northwest winds. In the southwest corner, firefighters continue to search out hot spots to fully extinguish and secure the perimeter to allow Brian Head residents to return soon. The northwestern edge of the perimeter has shown minimal growth over the past couple days, primarily because the winds have been blowing the fire back into areas already burned. The northeastern corner of the fire was less active yesterday as well, and the perimeter there is reaching lighter fuels, such as grass and sage.

OPEN HOUSE – Members of the Incident Management Team, community leaders, and agency representatives will be on hand to provide an overview of fire suppression activities and answer questions.

WHEN: Saturday, 24 June, 2 – 3 PM

WHERE: Panguitch High School

CURRENT EVACUATIONS – Additional evacuations have been issue today. Panguitch Lake, Horse Valley, Beaver Dam, Castle Valley, Blue Springs, Rainbow Meadows, Mammoth Creek, Dry Lakes, Second Left Hand Canyon, and the town of Brian Head are all under evacuation by local law enforcement. Evacuees can contact the Red Cross for shelter information. Fire officials recommend familiarizing yourself with the Ready, Set, Go Program (http://wildlandfirersg.org/).

CLOSURES – Highway 143 is closed from the cemetery in Parowan to milepost 50 outside of Panguitch. Mammoth Creek Road is closed at the junction with Highway 143. The north side gate of 143/148 is closed. The Dixie National Forest has expanded its area closure. Please check your route before planning recreational activities. Maps and a thorough description of the closure area are posted at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5253/.

The Brian Head Fire started around midday Saturday, June 17, and grew very quickly through dense timber on lands administered by Brian Head Town, Iron County, in cooperation with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. It has since burned on to lands managed by Dixie National Forest and Color Country District Bureau of Land Management. Cedar Breaks National Monument remains open, with access via Highway 14.

The arrival of an additional Incident Management Team will not change the online information resources. Continue to visit the following websites and social media sites for more updates: