Updates will only be released as future significant events occur on the fire.

Fire Summary: The Porcupine Fire has had minimal growth, and light smoke has been visible from burning interior fuels.
Fire activity consists of creeping; and some interior single tree torching is ongoing. The total acres remain at 2,050. 

Firefighters are continuing to hold firelines, extinguish spot-fires, and monitor the fire perimeter. 

Although there is marginal fire activity noticeable to the public, the potential still exists for fire growth.

Due to the recent cooler weather and precipitation over the lightning-caused Porcupine Fire, fire behavior and activity has decreased. However, this does not mean the fire is out. This fire is currently smoldering and creeping in heavy dead and downed fuels. It is expected that snowfall will completely extinguish this fire. Until that time, crews will continue to manage this fire for resource benefits.

As the weather warms, smoke will again be visible to the surrounding communities.

Discussion: This fire is being managed for multiple resource benefits based on local fire plans that have been developed with public input over a period of years. For decades, the Forest Service and other land management agencies suppressed every fire. Unfortunately, this resulted in decades and decades of dead and downed brush and tree litter. These act as ladder fuels that create even more devastating wildfires. Science has changed the way we respond to fires. When we have the right fire, in the right place, at the right time, we can allow fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem. Benefits of managed wildfire include reducing hazardous fuels, protecting human communities from extreme fires, and minimizing the spread of pests, insects and disease. They also open up the forest floor to enhance wildlife travel paths and provide additional forage for game.

Of course, all human-caused fires and any fires threatening homes and communities are completely suppressed.

However, we also recognize the role that fire plays as a management tool. When we need to put it out, we can; and when we need to manage it,

we can do that as well. The goal of managing fires for resources benefits is to allow fire to resume its natural role in the ecosystem.

Ultimately. this results in greater safety for both the public and firefighters as well as a healthier forests for everyone to enjoy.

Jurisdiction: Sanpete Ranger District, Manti-La Sal National Forest and Richfield Ranger District, Fishlake National Forest

Updated Closures: Route and area closures are in place to ensure public and firefighter safety during fire operations.

Manti-La Sal National Forest

–Forest Road 51248/Porcupine Ridge Road (from FR50159/Clear Creek Flats Road to FR51212)
-Forest Road 51212 (from FR50159/Clear Creek Flats Road to FR51248/Porcupine Ridge Road
-Forest Road 51272 (from FR51212 to termination)
-Forest Road 50159/Clear Creek Flats Road (from FR51160 to FR51252)
-Forest Road 51252 (from FR50159/Clear Creek Flats Road to FT5182)
-Forest Trail 5181 (from FT5182 to FR50159/Clear Creek Flats Road)
-Forest Trail 5182 (from FR50252 to FT5181)

These roads are restricted to vehicles classified as motorcycles, ATV’s, or UTV’s by the State of Utah and will have a 10 mph speed limit:

-Forest Road 50159/Clear Creek Flats Road (from FR50290/Beaver Creek Road to FR51160

Area Description:  The junction of FR50159 and FR51212, South on FR50159 to junction with FR51252; from junction FR51252 and FR50159 South to Forest Boundary; East on Forest Boundary to Molly’s Nipple (Musinia Peak); Northwest on Porcupine Ridge to FR51248; North on FR51248 to junction with FR51212; West on FR51212 back to junction with FR50159 and FR51212.

These closures will be in effect from the date signed until September 15, unless rescinded.

The Fishlake National Forest Fire Area & Trail Closures have been Terminated.

Structures: No structures are threatened.

Percent Contained: 20%

Fire Crews/Resources: 1 Type-3 Team,1 local IA Squad, 2 Road guards, 1 Type-3 Helicopter and 1 Helitack crew. Total personnel 28

Information on fires in Utah visit www.utahfireinfo.gov. Information on fires across the country visit www.inciweb.org