BEAVER – The Little Twist wildfire has now been mapped at 2,250 acres as of Sunday, according to a news release from the Central Utah Interagency Fire Rescue Agency.
The fire, which began earlier this week as a controlled burn, is 4 miles southeast of Beaver and is 0% contained.
The fire was considered moderately active throughout Saturday afternoon and into the evening. The behavior of the fire is expected to be very active with low humidity and strong gusts of wind expected until Monday.
Central Utah’s Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire Saturday at 6 a.m. and it grew to 1,000 acres by the end of the day. On Friday, the fire was at 857 acres and was being fought by experts, local engines and air resources, according to a Utah Fire Info post on social media.
The Little Twist wildfire grew to 1,000 acres on Saturday, June 15, 2024, according to a news release from the Central Utah Fire Interagency. (Photo: Utah Fire Information)
Throughout the weekend, smoke remained visible from Interstate 15, Interstate 70 and US 89 and surrounding communities. On Sunday, fire crews “will continue to construct and strengthen direct and indirect fire lines while utilizing natural barriers and favorable fuel types that provide the greatest opportunity to work toward safely and effectively containing the fire,” the agency said.
Air resources have been successful in moderating areas considered “critical” along the fire perimeter. Parts of the area were open Saturday, but Central Utah Interagency Fire announced the closure of the area Sunday afternoon “to provide safety to both firefighters and the public.”
The fire remains within the originally planned burn area, but its designation was changed to “wildfire” to allow for the use of additional resources and cooperating agencies, fire officials wrote.
“This spring, the Beaver Ranger District implemented the burn plan for the South Beaver prescribed burn project, successfully completing 4,724 acres over several weeks,” according to a statement. “The district plans to burn between 3,000 and 5,000 acres each year for several years. Hot, dry and windy weather caused the fire to burn beyond its planned limits this spring.”
On the afternoon of June 13, 2024, Forest Service leadership made the decision to transition the active portion of the prescribed fire to a wildfire, now known as the Little Twist Fire. (Photo: Utah Fire Information)
Contributing: Ashley Fredde, KSL.com
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.