Updated Sunday, July 15, 10:03 a.m.
The Deer Springs Fire was discovered Sunday, July 7, on the Skutumpah and Timber Mountain roads south of Bryce Canyon. It has now reached 70% containment as of Sunday evening. This was the last update.
The fire appears to be human-caused, but the reason is still under investigation. Garfield Commissioners speculated Monday after receiving official updates on the fire that it may have been caused by an ATV.
The evening fire update Sunday, July 14, showed approximately 151 personnel working on the fire with seven engines, three water tenders, two dozers, and one helicopter.
Wednesday firefighters welcomed the arrival of a Type-1 high-performance helicopter, which helped a lot. These are the largest helicopters used to fight wildfires and can carry between 700 and 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. They are also very accurate. “It’s truly a force-multiplier to the firefighters on the ground and a welcomed addition to the team,” wrote BLM on social media. The fire was then at 11,888 acres and 10% containment.
Temperatures have lowered to the mid- to low 90s this week, with a chance of thunderstorms and showers most nights.
The fire is threatening structures in the area, but there are currently no evacuations. Kane County Sheriff’s Office will keep locals notified if evacuations become necessary.
The Deer Springs Fire has also not caused any trail or road closures in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is outside the park on BLM land about 13 miles south of Yovimpa Point, and the smoke column is visible to the south.
– by Abbie Call, The Byway
Feature image courtesy of Carter Mackley.
Abbie Call – Cannonville/Kirksville, Missouri
Abbie Call is a journalist and editor at The Byway. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University. Her favorite topics to write about include anything local, Utah’s megadrought, and mental health and meaning in life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family, quilting and hiking.
Find Abbie on Threads @abbieb.call or contact her at [email protected].