Summary: A series of thunderstorms that passed through the region on Wednesday July 11, 2012 resulted in 13 fire starts on the Arizona Strip on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The updated estimated acreage for the Hobble Complex (three fires combined) is approximately 34,596 acres (due to more accurate mapping) and the estimate for the Plateau Fire 3,175 acres. Smoke may be visible from the Washington County area. Nine of the remaining 13 fires are located on the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, and one fire is located on the Arizona Strip Field Office. These fires vary in size and are awaiting more accurate mapping.
Start Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 late afternoon.
Locations: Hobble Complex approximately 35 miles south of St. George, Utah near the Grand Wash Cliffs on the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. Plateau Fire approximately 65 miles south of St. George near Snap Point on the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip District.
Fire Size: Hobble Complex is approximately 34,596 acres. Plateau Fire is approximately 3,175 acres. (Note: one acre is equivalent to one football field).
Cause: Lightning
Fire Behavior: Fire behavior is smoldering.
Closures: Roads surrounding each fire are open.
Structures: Three out buildings were destroyed by fire within the Hobble Complex; none were damage by the Plateau Fire.
Percent Contained: The Hobble Complex is 75% contained. The Plateau Fire is 100% contained with control anticipated for July 19, 2012. Both fires have received significant precipitation throughout the activity of the fires.
Fuels: Cheatgrass and pinyon/juniper trees on both fires.
Fire Crews/Resources: The Hobble Complex team transitioned from Clint Coates’ Color Country Interagency Type III team to Clark Olds Type 4 organization. 5 engines, 1 dozer, 1 Type III Helicopter. The Plateau Fire is being staffed by Alan Syphus’ Type 4 organization with 2 engines.
Evacuations: N/A
Injuries: N/A
For more information on fires in Utah visit www.utahfireinfo.gov.
For more information on fires across the country, visit www.inciweb.org.