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SEVIER COUNTY -- The Twitchell fire in Sevier County is once again burning dangerously close to highways.
Firefighters are now using back burns to try to keep the fire from crossing sections of Interstate 70 and Interstate 15.
Forest roads in the area have been temporarily closed to provide for public and firefighter safety, the Fishlake National Forest Service reported Wednesday. Several trails and campgrounds are also still closed due to fire danger.
The fire was started by lightning in July and has now burned more than 40,000 acres. Fire officials say it is currently 25 percent contained.
As of Sept. 29, the Twitchell fire is active in the area north and east of North Fork and in the mountain slope on the west side of the fire, five miles east of Sulphurdale.
The south and southwest area north of North Fork is actively being suppressed by several firefighting crews and dozers to protect private property. Air tanker and helicopter support is also being utilized to drop fire retardant and water in order to reinforce contingency lines and keep the fire from moving south into North Creek private property.
Officials say firefighters are closely monitoring the fire day and night from air and ground.
CLICK HERE for more information on the fire.
