Operations & Training

Officials Declare Utah Wildfire Fully Contained

July 2, 2004

Fire officials have declared the Square Fires in southern Utah, which have burned nearly 18,000 acres in almost a week, fully contained.

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- Fire officials have declared the Square Fires in southern Utah, which have burned nearly 18,000 acres in almost a week, fully contained.

A pared down force of 278 firefighters worked on the blazes Thursday, aided by an airtanker and four helicopters. Those crews were scheduled to be released to fight other fires in the region.

The effort cost an estimated $1,566,914.

The Square Fire Complex was 90 percent contained on Wednesday. It hasn't burned any new ground since Sunday.

The fires, roughly 25 miles north of St. George, were sparked June 25 by lightning.