Update on Cottonwood fire

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The Forest Service continues to monitor the Cottonwood Fire.
Lightning ignited a fire on July 22, and it was reported July 24, in Dairy Canyon, a tributary of Cottonwood Canyon, northwest of Orangeville. The fire has grown to about 81 acres and is burning in steep terrain among dead spruce and deadfall timber.
Forest Service fire crews have assessed the fire and decided to manage it to reduce fuels, reduce risk of severe fire, and allow new aspen growth. The fire has been assigned to a Type 4 Incident Command and will be monitored daily. Crews and equipment will be assigned to the fire as needed.
The objective of fire management is to burn dense vegetation and accumulated fuels such as dead timber and forest litter. The fire is expected to benefit such resources as wildlife habitat, grazing areas, and watersheds. Managed fire can also create a fuel break to assist in the containment of future fires.
Smoke and flames are most likely to be seen during the late afternoon. Smoke is impacting surrounding areas, including Orangeville and Castle Dale, in the evening hours. At this time, the fire does not threaten any structures, although people traveling in the area should be alert and cautious. Area, road, and trail closures are not currently in place, but may become necessary if the fire progresses.
Visitors are reminded to always properly extinguish your campfires. Further information is available on the web @ www.utahfireinfo.gov or contact the Ferron Ranger District at (435) 384-2372.