Bridge Fire contained

Date: July 23, 2009
Contact: Daniel Ng, 435.834.4400

Bridge Fire Fully Contained in Bryce Canyon National Park
Continued Management for Resource Benefits on the Dixie National Forest

The Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon National Park are continuing to manage the Bridge Fire which is burning eight miles south/southwest of Bryce Canyon City. This lightning-caused fire, which started on June 14, is now estimated at 3,556 acres with half of the acreage on forest lands and half on park lands. Currently the fire’s perimeter is approximately 75% contained, with 100% containment within the park. The Forest Service will continue to manage the fire for resource benefits on their lands, west of Bryce Canyon.

With the help of cloud cover, cooler temperatures and rain, fire crews have made excellent progress in containing the fire. Helicopter water drops helped to suppress hotspots and keep the fire from spreading. Ground crews established fire lines and mopped up along the fire perimeter. Work continues with a burnout operation along Whiteman Bench Road, mopping up remaining hot spots and rehabilitating damaged trails in the park.

Smoke may still be visible from the fire along the main park road and surrounding Forest Service areas for days to come. Smoke may also settle into low lying areas during the night and early morning hours, but should clear out by mid-morning.

The fire is now being managed by local Type IV Interagency organization. Demobilization of firefighting resources has been underway since July 19. These resources will be made available for other fires in the area. Fire crews, support and overhead, which once numbered 300 at the peak of the fire, will decrease to approximately 65.

All roads, visitor services and viewpoints are open in Bryce Canyon National Park. Several crews are still working in the park and visitors should drive with caution and watch out for fire crews, vehicles and equipment. There are some backcountry trails and backcountry campsite closures remaining. Contact the park at 435-834-5322 or visit www.nps.gov/brca for more information.

Several roads in the Dixie National Forest remain closed. Contact the forest service at 435-676-9300, 435-865-3200 or 435-865-3700 for more information.

Unless significant events occur, this will be the final joint news release for the Bridge Fire.