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Date: August 2, 2009
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811

This will be the last fire update on the Cliff Fire unless significant events occur.

Firefighters have fully contained the Cliff Fire that has been burning in Zion National Park and adjoining Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.   Due to the hard work of the firefighters and some timely precipitation a few days ago the fire was contained yesterday afternoon.  With the fire no longer a direct threat to visitors, the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive has been reopened.  In addition, all the trails in the Kolob Canyons area have been reopened to day use only.  No overnight camping will be allowed until fire managers are certain there is no longer a threat to backcountry users.     

Yesterday, firefighters mopped up any remaining hot spots along the fireline to ensure containment.  The fire’s final size is 744 acres of which 306 are in the park and the remaining acreage on BLM Lands.  The majority of firefighting resources were released at the end of shift yesterday and were made available for other assignments.  Management of the fire will be transferred to a Type IV Incident Commander today.  A 20-person Hot Shot Crew will remain on the fire until it is declared out. 

The Cliff Fire was ignited by lightning on Tuesday night, July 28 during a strong thunderstorm that passed through the area. The fire started on Black Ridge (BLM lands), 2 miles east of Interstate 15 and 6 miles south of the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.  Driven by winds, the fire quickly moved in a northeastern direction across the park’s boundary and into the LaVerkin Creek Drainage.  Firefighters were aided greatly by rain and cool temperatures on Thursday, July 30. 

For more information on the Cliff Fire call 435-772-7811 or visit www.nps.gov/zion/naturescience/current-fire-information.htm