Utah Wildfire 20 Percent Contained

June 29, 2004
Fire officials hoping to contain wildfires in southern Utah say low humidity and high winds won't help their efforts Tuesday.
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- Fire officials hoping to contain wildfires in southern Utah say low humidity and high winds won't help their efforts Tuesday.

Separate lightning strikes on Friday sparked two nearby fires. Now known as the Square Complex fire, about 16,000 acres 14 miles north of St. George have been burned.

Overcast skies and high humidity kept the fire from significantly advancing Monday, but winds with gusts of up to 20 mph were forecast Tuesday.

About 300 firefighters, 17 engines and three helicopters were working the fire Tuesday, said Bureau of Land Management spokesman David Boyd.

The weather could ``bring the fire back to life,'' said another fire spokesman, Jeff Gildehaus. ``We're hoping for the best and working like crazy.''

The fire was 20 percent contained, and officials say they still expect it to be fully contained by Sunday.

No structures are being threatened. Except for several firefighters with minor heat exhaustion, no injuries have been reported.

Related:

Weather Keeping Southern Utah Wildfire Under Control

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!