Engineer Canyon fire update

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The Engineer Canyon wildland fire began on June 29 by a lightning strike. It has burned approximately 36 acres. It is located approximately 1.5 miles east of SR-31 at the top of Engineer Canyon along Trough Springs Ridge.
On July 14 fire activity increased and smoke was visible in the surrounding communities. Smoke from this fire, as well as other California fires, may be visible for the next few weeks depending on weather conditions and fire behavior. Fire activity and the resulting smoke are generally greatest during the late afternoons, when temperatures are at their highest and humidity is lowest.
The fire is currently burning in a remote area in beetle killed spruce. Fire managers review the progress of the fire and weather forecasts regularly to determine if suppression action is necessary to protect life and property. There are no closures at this time.
This lightning caused fire is being managed to accomplish resource objectives as outlined in the Manti-LaSal’s Fire Management Plan. Under specific management guidelines, the plan allows naturally ignited fires to burn within designated Wildland Fire Use areas. Under these conditions, fire is allowed to play its natural role on the landscape. WFU fires are used for a variety of resource benefits including improvement to wildlife habitat for mule deer and elk and reduction of the build-up of hazardous dead and downed fuels. These fires may increase the potential for localized soil erosion, but they also can reduce the potential for large-scale debris flows and mudslides associated with large-scale wildfires. WFU fires can also reduce fire suppression costs and keep firefighters available for priority fire suppression efforts elsewhere.
Monitoring is a high priority. Fire managers review the fire’s progress and weather forecasts to determine if the fire stays in pre-designated boundaries and that resource objectives are being met.
WFU is often a long duration event.
Fires may burn all summer until snow or rain puts them out or they may burn only one or two days.
Smoke can be a temporary inconvenience to the general public along with limited travel and potential closure of public use within the effected areas.
Agencies that have been using WFU for a long time are showing a reduction in the risk of large-scale fire.
The dynamics of a wildland fire are reduced due to the reduction of hazardous fuels.
Fire managers would like to remind everyone to be especially careful and fire conscious while recreating this summer.
If you need further information visit www.utahfireinfo.gov or please contact the Ferron Ranger District at 435/384-2372.