Wildfire Burning in Zion National Park

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Date: July 8, 2009
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811

A wildland fire is currently burning in the northern portion of Zion National Park. The Horse Fire is located approximately 1 ½ miles southeast of Lava Point, along the West Rim Trail.  This fire was detected yesterday afternoon, July 7, and is a holdover from a lightning storm that passed through the area on July 4.  It is estimated at approximately 20 acres with moderate fire activity.  Due to the fire’s location, the West Rim Trail from Lava Point to Potato Hollow has been temporarily closed for visitor safety. 

The fire is currently being managed using a confine/containment strategy under the direction of a local Type III fire management organization, including firefighting resources from the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the State of Utah.  Objectives for the fire are to hold it to the east side of the West Rim Trail and allow the fire to burn into an area that was burned last fall in the Three Finger Mesa Prescribed Fire.  This strategy will allow the fire to achieve resource benefits through the reintroduction of fire to its natural role on the plateau while also reducing the risks to adjacent private lands and structures from future wildfires in the area.   

Smoke may be visible to visitors and residents of the Kolob area for days to come as firefighters manage the Horse Fire. Some smoke may settle into the canyons at night, especially Zion Canyon, but should not present a major concern. 

For the safety of park visitors, the West Rim Trail from Lava Point to Potato Hollow is temporarily closed.  It will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.  The West Rim Trail from the Grotto to Potato Hollow remains open, as does the Angels Landing Trail and the Wildcat Canyon Trail. Backcountry travelers should call the park’s Backcountry Desk at 435-772-0170 for updated information on trail conditions.

 



Last updated: February 24, 2015

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Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.

Springdale, UT 84767

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435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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