West Valley Fire continues to grow as officials work to contain flames
(UPDATE July 6 10:02) - The West Valley Fire now covers 11,716 acres and is 28 percent contained. The fire is just 10 miles north of St. George. On July 5, a drone flew within the fire perimeter. A Temporary Flight Restriction was put into place around the fire, to avoid mid-air collisions. Fire officials are asking people to not fly their drones near the flames so fire crews can continue to put out the blaze.
(UPDATE 10:46 a.m. Wednesday) - The West Valley Fire is 8 percent contained. It is still reaching 10,836 ares, according to Utah Fire Info.
(UPDATE 10:19 July 3) - The West Valley Fire has reached 10,836 acres and is 5 percent contained. With the Red Flag Warning in effect yesterday, increased fire behavior was visible. Due to increased winds, short-range spotting and short crown runs occurred on the west and northwest flanks of the fire. The south flank is still active and the eastern flank has shown little movement. The fire has been determined to be human caused.
(KUTV) - The West Valley Fire has reached 10,510 acres and is 5 percent contained.
The top priority of the management team is for the safety of the public and fire personnel, according to a news release. Their objective, is to get the fire at 100 percent containment.
The fire is still burning in mixed conifer, brush and grass in steep and rugged terrain.
Fire crews are currently staying near the fire line to minimize travel. They are also building control lines directly on the fire's edge where possible. Helicopters are dropping water on hot spots and fixed-wing air tankers are dropping retardant to support crews on the fire line.
Because fire continues to grow, fire officials will be holding a community meeting at the New Harmony Fire Station 7 p.m. Monday, July 2. Members of the Great Basin Incident management Team 6 will be available to answer questions from the public.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for temperatures in the 80s and southwest winds gusting to 25 miles per hour. No evacuations are in place.
For details about closures, click here.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Southern Utah's West Valley Fire concerning officials for the fight ahead
Southern Utah's West Valley Fire grows to 2,500 acres, residents ready to evacuate
Wildfire burns 2,000 acres of Pine Valley Wilderness
