Containment of Silver King fire jumps to 78%, over 18,000 acres burned
MARYSVALE, Utah (ABC4) — Fire crews battling the massive Silver King Fire just three miles west of Marysvale in Piute County made significant progress this week, achieving 78% containment.
“The fruits of the hard work by firefighters were reaped today,” The Central Utah Fire Interagency said on Thursday, July 18, adding that because of the now-stable perimeter, there will be no more late-night shifts for fire crews.
According to officials, firefighters managed to contain the fire eastward to the top of Deer Creek and will continue to secure the line. Meanwhile, Hot Shot crews continue to construct a line along the fire’s edge and reduce any “ladder fuels” along the road. Crews will also be constructing firelines from Deer Creek to Indian Hollow and finish securing the southeast at Bullion Creek.
“Because of the significant progress made by firefighters, downsizing of the incident has begun and crews, engines, and overhead are being released as appropriate,” the Interagency said. “Hose lines and equipment are being removed from secure areas of the fire. A Suppression Repair Plan has been approved to address the impacts from fire operations such as ground disturbance and damage to infrastructure.”
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A Burned Area Emergency Response team is en route to Fishlake National Forest, where the Silver King Fire raged. Officials say the team will be used to manage potential risks the fire-caused resources and reduce these threats to life, property, and the natural resources within the burn area.
Several trails and roads in Fishlake National Forest are still under a closure order and a Stage 1 Fire Restriction is still in place. A full list of closed roads and trails can be found on Fishlake National Forest’s Alerts and Notices page online. Notably, the Castle Rock Campground remains open to the public.
Fire officials will be hosting a community meeting with residents of Marysvale to provide information on the Silver King Fire that has raged nearby for nearly two weeks. That meeting will be held on Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 800 West Bullion Avenue.
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