Thompson Ridge Fire in Beaver mostly contained

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BEAVER — A fire that burned over 7,000 acres is mostly contained after over two weeks of firefighting efforts.

State fire officials reported Monday that the Thompson Ridge Fire was 85% contained after having burned 7,253 acres, mostly in Fishlake National Forest in Beaver, Garfield and Piute counties. It was started on Aug. 4 by a lightning strike and is the largest fire the state has seen during this year's fire season.

Although the fire was started by natural causes, Mother Nature did lend firefighters a helping hand with humid conditions and rainfall that aided in suppressing the fire. Although firefighters were pulled from the fireline over the weekend to avoid injury from flooding, the wet weather also presented an opportunity for resource advisers to plant seeds where the fire had burned.

On Monday, crews worked to repair spike camps and clean up from the previous weeks of firefighting efforts.

"Spotty rain and gusty winds are expected, but continued relative humidity recovery should keep fire behavior to a minimum and within containment lines," fire officials said in a report, adding that command of the fire will be handed back to the Fishlake National Forest on Tuesday.

An updated closure order will go into effect on Tuesday. Officials recommend that individuals use caution in formerly closed areas since there may still be firefighting equipment accessing the perimeter along those roads.