ELSINORE, Sevier County — Firefighters are using aerial and ground ignition to burn out vegetation in front of the Twitchell Canyon fire in an effort to contain the blaze and keep it from crossing I-15 and I-70.
The lightning-caused fire has been burning in Fishlake National Forest since July 20 and now covers about 42,000 acres. As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, it was 28 percent contained, said Joe Coldwell, spokesman for the firefighting effort.
The fire is currently active in the area north and east of North Fork and on the mountain slope on the west side of the fire, five miles east of Sulphurdale, officials said. Coldwell said on Wednesday that the fire was not spreading like it had the previous two days, though.
Firefighting crews and bulldozers are focusing on suppressing the south and southwest area north of North Fork to protect private property, officials said. Fire retardant and water are also being dropped by air tankers and helicopters to keep the fire from moving onto private property.
Crews are focusing on protection of private property and infrastructure, with emphasis on firefighter and public safety, officials said. Thus far, 520 firefighters have battled the blaze.
Coldwell said he expects the fire to continue burning until the area gets snow or substantial rain, and he encouraged drivers traveling in the area to be cautious.
I-70 remained open Wednesday, though several roads, trails and campgrounds have been closed for safety reasons. For a list of closed roads, as well as map of off-limits areas, visit utahfireinfo.gov
— Sara Lenz and Jared Page