Trail Mountain fire morning update: June 21

Thanks to numerous successful containment methods including fireline and burnout operations, the Trail Mountain Fire is now 59% contained. Burning operations above Mill Fork and Crandall Canyon successfully consumed vegetation most susceptible to ignition, removing vegetation that would threaten containment lines if the fire made an uphill run. The Crandall Mine has been properly equipped and protected with sprinkler systems, and the burnout left behind a desirable mosaic pattern of burned areas mixed with unburned aspen and sagebrush.
Crews also continue to increase containment and slow fire spread by utilizing green aspen stands, which have high moisture content, and natural barriers such as streams and rocks. These tactics have proven effective in gaining control of the fire.
As containment increases, crews will be completing restoration work to minimize any harmful after effects of the fire. Firefighters will be chipping vegetation cut during line construction, rehabilitating dozer line, and clearing streams, roads, and hazardous trees. In areas where erosion is a potential concern, water bars are being constructed to direct water to more stable soil areas.
Today a Red Flag Warning is in effect due to increasing winds and low relative humidity. Weather conditions will be hot and dry, with an unstable atmosphere, which can greatly impact fire behavior, making today a critical fire weather day. More mop up and patrolling will take place to eliminate remaining heat. Areas that cannot be accessed by firefighters due to steep, hazardous slopes will continue to be monitored carefully. Crews will continue to diligently secure and patrol the fire’s edge while upholding firefighter and public safety.
Closures:  The Manti-La Sal National Forest has an area closure in effect around the fire. See a map and description of the area at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/5830.  Horse Canyon Trailhead, Indian Creek Campground, Little Bear Campground, Lower Little Bear Campground, and Riverside Campsite are closed.  Highway 31 is open, but please drive with caution.