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Jed Boal reporting Fire crews in central and southern Utah hope the weather this afternoon helps them, rather than starts more fires. They've had a few busy days staying on top of a lot of small fires.
Most Utah wildfires this early season resemble the one near Saratoga Springs: Small and contained with a fast attack.
Jim Springer/Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands: "We've had a lot more starts. We had a weather system from the south that brought a lot of lightening with it, but moisture with it. Not moisture that fell, but moisture in the air."
But fire crews continue to battle several wildfires.
The hot often dry weather and dry fuel conditions are typical of July, not early June.
Jim Springer/Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands: "We expect more lightening, depending on what's happening with the moisture, we could see a lot more starts."
About 30 fires have scorched more than 35-hundred acres. But most of that damage comes from two major fires.
The Stone Face Fire is the largest, burning 25 miles southwest of Delta. It's contained after burning through two thousand acres of grass and brush.
The Blackbird Mine Fire doubled in size in one day to total 1,500 acres. But fire crews will let it burn through hazardous fuels as a management technique.
Right now, the dry grass, the wind and the potential for lightening starts are the biggest concerns. But fire officials also want to be certain we are all very careful with our use of fire.
Fire officials in central Utah say several fires yesterday grew to around 300 acres, but do not present big problems.
"They're there, ready and waiting. We'll see what happens with the starts we get."
So far, fire crews have kept a lid on a potentially volatile situation. The only fire restrictions in place are for Washington County.
